Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: A Legacy of Economic Reforms and Public Service
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a stalwart of Indian politics and the architect of the country’s economic liberalization, passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday. He was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi earlier in the evening as his health deteriorated. At the time of filing this report, no official confirmation from AIIMS has been issued regarding his demise.
Dr. Singh’s passing has left the nation mourning the loss of a leader whose tenure as Finance Minister (1991–96) under PV Narasimha Rao brought transformative economic reforms. His contributions laid the foundation for India’s rapid economic growth, making him one of the most respected leaders globally.
Tributes Pour In for the Former Prime Minister
Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, expressed his grief on Instagram, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fmr Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji… You will always be remembered for your Economic revolution and progressive changes you brought to the country.”
Congress leader Salman Khurshid took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay homage: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Visuals posted by ANI on X showed Priyanka Gandhi arriving at AIIMS Delhi, further underlining the gravity of the situation.
A Legacy of Leadership and Economic Reforms
Dr. Singh was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister on May 22, 2004, and served two consecutive terms until 2014, leading the UPA government. Known for his integrity and soft-spoken demeanor, Singh represented Assam for five terms in the Rajya Sabha before moving to Rajasthan in 2019.
Before his prime ministership, Singh’s groundbreaking tenure as Finance Minister saw him usher in liberalization policies that opened the Indian economy to globalization. His vision and strategic economic policies played a pivotal role in shaping modern India.
A Parliamentary Career of Distinction
Dr. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after decades of distinguished service. His last major parliamentary intervention was a sharp critique of the 2016 demonetization policy, famously describing it as “an organized loot and legal plunder.”
As a parliamentarian, Singh also served as Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2004, where he earned respect across party lines for his insightful and measured approach to policymaking.
India Mourns a Visionary Leader
Dr. Singh’s demise marks the end of an era for Indian politics. His contributions as a reformist, economist, and statesman will be etched in the annals of history. His funeral arrangements and official statements from AIIMS Delhi are awaited.
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