New Delhi [India], December 28 : Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Saturday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Bihar Congress President said that the former PM Manmohan Singh lived a life of simplicity, and high thinking. He stated that he was very humble but still took tough decisions.
"... I got the opportunity to work with him (Former PM) for five years when I was handling the Food and Agriculture department... He lived a life of simplicity, high thinking... Though he was very humble but when he took tough decisions as I remember during the time of nuclear deal..." Akhilesh Prasad Singh told ANI.
Congress leader Rajesh Thakur said, "The person who gave a lot of things to the nation...He worked for the nation and the nation building...He balanced the economy...Everyone can see who is doing politics...He should get the respect and by not giving him a space, they (BJP) show their level of politics..."
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "He was a great man with a great vision...He always worked for the people of the nation and contributed a lot to the nation building..."
In the meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu paid last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat on Saturday.
Top leaders of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi are attending Manmohan Singh's last rites.
The state funeral took place with full military honours at Nigam Bodh Ghat.
The rituals for the cremation ceremony were performed for the former Prime Minister. The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Dr Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks.
Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital.
Singh's political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he spearheaded economic reforms that transformed India's economy. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His tenure is particularly remembered for his steady leadership during economic crises and his contributions to modernizing India's economy.
After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections.