Manmohan Singh’s funeral date, time: Ex-PM’s last rites to be held with state honours

New Delhi: The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be performed with full state honors on Saturday (December 28). An official announcement about the arrangements is expected on Friday. 

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal informed reporters late on Thursday night that the body of Manmohan Singh had been brought to his residence at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg, Delhi, where it will be kept for the public to pay their last respects.

Cabinet meeting today

The nation mourns the passing of the former PM, a widely respected leader and the architect of India’s economic reforms. The central government has declared seven days of national mourning. 

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All scheduled programs on Friday have been cancelled. A special cabinet meeting will be held at 11 am on Friday to honour the legacy of the former Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Congress has cancelled all programs for next seven days. 

Manmohan Singh’s demise

Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was admitted to the emergency ward of AIIMS Delhi in critical condition at 8.06 pm after fainting at his residence. Despite extensive efforts by the medical team, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm.

AIIMS released a bulletin stating that efforts were made to revive him at home before he was transported to the hospital. However, his health had been deteriorating for the past few months.

Dr Manmohan Singh served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, leading the country for a decade. Known for his economic acumen, he was instrumental in ushering in economic reforms that transformed the Indian economy. His contributions earned him immense respect both domestically and internationally.

Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Kaur and their three daughters. He leaves behind a legacy of exemplary leadership, humility and dedication to the nation.

Leaders pay homage

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sonia Gandhi rushed to AIIMS upon hearing the news of Manmohan Singh’s hospitalization. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have left Belgaum, Karnataka, where the Congress Working Committee meeting was underway.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “India is mourning the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, one of its most distinguished leaders. Rising from a humble background, he became a distinguished economist. He served in various government positions including Finance Minister and left a deep mark on our economic policy for years. His interventions in Parliament were also very practical. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve the lives of the people.”

President Droupadi Murmu said, “Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji was one of those rare politicians who worked with equal ease in both academia and administration. In his various roles in public offices, he contributed significantly to improving the Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his impeccable political life and his utmost humility. His departure is a great loss for all of us. I pay my tribute to one of the greatest sons of India and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Very few people in politics command the respect of Sardar Manmohan Singh Ji. His integrity will always be an inspiration to us and he will always stand tall among those who truly love this country, as he remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents. He was truly egalitarian, intelligent, strong-willed and courageous to the end. A uniquely dignified and gentlemanly figure in the tough world of politics.”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences and wrote on X, “Manmohan Singh ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My deepest condolences to Kaur and her family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who were his fans will remember him with immense pride.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The news of the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji is extremely sad. From Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to Finance Minister of the country and as Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh ji played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant salvation to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief.”