'Irreparable loss to Indian politics': Yogi Adityanath mourns death of Dr. Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, Dec 27 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, terming his passing away as an "irreparable loss to Indian politics".

Taking to X, the Uttar Pradesh CM wrote: "The demise of former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to Indian politics. As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country. Humble tribute to him!

"I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!"

The news of Dr. Singh's demise was confirmed by AIIMS New Delhi.

"With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh aged 92. He was being treated for age related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 p.m.,” said the hospital in a statement on Thursday. Dr. Manmohan Singh was 92.

Dr. Singh, who served as the country's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his transformative role in steering India’s economy through a period of significant liberalisation.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, with the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to participate in honouring his memory. Dr. Singh's death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

In April this year, Manmohan Singh retired from Rajya Sabha, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praising his long parliamentary career.

Dr. Manmohan Singh shot to prominence as the country's Finance Minister in the government headed by P.V. Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, having brought in sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

As the two-term Prime Minister of the UPA, he stayed at the top post from 2004 and 2014, and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.

In his political career, Dr. Singh has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991, where he was Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004.

Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22 after the 2004 general elections and took the oath of office for a second term on May 22, 2009.

He represented Assam for five terms in the Upper House and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019.

His last intervention in Parliament was against demonetisation, describing it as an "organised loot and legalised plunder”.

Source: IANS