Manmohan Singh Passes Away: Manmohan Singh cremated with full honours; Mauritius, Bhutan fly flags at half-mast

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Saturday said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was not a weak but a strong and decisive leader, recognised globally.

Speaking at a function to pay tributes to Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92, Patole said the homage pouring in from different countries shows the respect he had earned.

The Congress leader said Singh had achieved glorious success on the basis of his knowledge.

"He wasn't a weak leader but a strong and decisive one," Patole said.

Singh, who led India to the path of economic liberalisation in the 1990s, was cremated with full state honours in New Delhi on Saturday in the presence of top dignitaries from the country and abroad.

The ex-PM's funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, at the Nigambodh Ghat.

Congress leader KC Venugopal on Saturday slammed the "shoddy arrangements" made at the cremation of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling them deeply insulting.

He added that the "monumental insult" to the former Finance Minister was "unacceptable" and that India would "never forgive" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Mr Nadda and the BJP have crossed all boundaries of decency and have in fact compelled us to point out the rank hypocrisy and cheap political tricks of the BJP throughout the last two days. The shoddy arrangements and the Government's conduct at Dr. Manmohan Singh ji's cremation were deeply insulting and made it clear that the government was hell-bent on diminishing his stature for their petty political reasons," Venugopal posted on X.

He further said that the "attempts to cut corners were for all to see, and there were many instances where the family was insulted and the overall dignity and protocol befitting Dr Singh's stature was completely lacking."

"This monumental insult to Dr. Manmohan Singh is unacceptable and India will never forgive the PM and his Government for playing politics over the last rites of Dr. Singh," he added.

Britain's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy has hailed the bold economic reforms of Dr Manmohan Singh as a legacy which continues to shape modern India. In a social media tribute to the former prime minister who was cremated in New Delhi on Saturday, Lammy also credited Singh for laying the foundations of the "thriving" bilateral partnership between India and the UK.

"Dr Manmohan Singh's bold economic reforms transformed India's economy," Lammy said in a post on X on Friday evening.

"His legacy continues to shape modern India, and his vision laid the foundations for today's thriving UK-India partnership. My deepest condolences to his family and the Indian people," he said.

Manmohan Singh, who was prime minister between 2004 and 2014 and finance minister before that, has been widely hailed the world over as the architect of India's economic liberalisation.

He died aged 92 and was laid to rest with full state honours in a ceremony attended by leading political dignitaries and included a 21-gun salute.

Following his death on Thursday night, the government declared seven days of national mourning.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said that performing the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat is a "deliberate attempt to erase" his immense contributions from public memory.

"The BJP government's decision to deny Dr. Manmohan Singh's family the right to perform his last rites at a befitting site for his memorial is a direct insult to his towering legacy and the Sikh community. Refusing the family's request and relegating a two-term Prime Minister to Nigambodh Ghat reeks of arrogance, bias and a deliberate attempt to erase his immense contributions from public memory," MK Stalin posted on X.

He further said that Manmohan Singh's "leadership transformed India's economy and lifted millions out of poverty."

"To disrespect a statesman of his stature is to disrespect India's progress itself. The stain of dishonouring great leaders never fades from history!" he added.

Chhattisgarh Congress chief Deepak Baij on Saturday recalled the significant contributions of Manmohan Singh and said the former Prime Minister introduced landmark legislations which have had a profound influence on governance and the empowerment of citizens.

Baij said that Singh's demise has caused an irreparable loss to the party and that it can never be forgotten.


"Manmohan Singh ji was the Prime Minister of the country for 10 years. If we recall his works, he brought laws like the Right to Information, the Right to Education etc. Certainly, he has contributed to the growth of the country's economy, this can never be forgotten. His departure has caused an irreparable loss to the Congress party," Baij told ANI.

In a sharp rebuke, BJP National President and Union health minister JP Nadda accused the Congress party of 'politicising' former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's demise and engaging in 'cheap politics', alleging that the party never showed respect to the late veteran Manmohan Singh when he held the office.

Addressing the media on Saturday, JP Nadda said, "It is indeed very unfortunate that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and current president Mallikarjun Kharge are not refraining from doing politics even on the sad demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress, which never gave respect to Dr Manmohan Singh while he was alive, is now doing politics in the name of his respect."

"This is the same Congress which tarnished the dignity of the post of the Prime Minister by placing Sonia Gandhi as super PM above PM Manmohan Singh.

Taking a dig at the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, JP Nadda said, "Rahul Gandhi insulted PM Manmohan Singh by tearing the ordinance, and today the same Rahul Gandhi is doing politics over his demise."

JP Nadda also criticized the Gandhi family for not showing respect to other prominent leaders of the country, citing examples of Dr BR Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, and others.

The Haryana Cabinet on Saturday observed a two-minute silence in honour of Manmohan Singh and Om Prakash Chautala. A Condolence Resolution was issued in their memory under the meeting chaired by Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini.

"In his demise, the country has not only lost an able leader, but a noted economist too," Saini said about former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, reading out the resolution.

About Chautala, Saini said his leadership and administrative efficiency provided a new direction to the politics and development of the state. "His contribution will always be remembered in the history of Haryana," the resolution stated.

Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences. He was 92.

The Congress leader, who steered the country for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and helped set up the country's economic framework as finance minister before that, was a renowned name in the global financial and economic sectors.

Chautala, who was a five-time chief minister, died in Gurugram on Friday. He was 89.

The AAP on Saturday criticised the BJP-led central government for not allocating space within the Rajghat complex in Delhi for the last rites of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said that it "reflects poorly on India globally". Singh was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday in the presence of top dignitaries from India and abroad. He passed away on the night of December 26 at the age of 92.

An order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday stated, "It has been decided by the Government that a state funeral will be accorded to Dr. Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11:45 am on 28th December 2024 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi."

The AAP called on the BJP to clarify its stance and demanded an apology to Singh's family and the Sikh community.

"Manmohan Singh, a global icon and India's only Sikh prime minister, was denied even 1,000 square yards of land for his cremation and memorial at Rajghat. Almost all former prime ministers were cremated there, but the BJP government refused this basic courtesy to Singh," said AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of disrespecting the Sikh community and questioned the rationale behind the decision.

"This is not just an insult to PM Singh, but to the Sikh community and all Indians who value his contributions. The BJP's mindset is exposed -- they are unwilling to honor a man who served India with distinction for a decade," Singh said.

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday lashed out at the Centre's decision to conduct former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat and said that the Centre should have thought "beyond politics and narrow-mindedness" in this matter.

"By not providing an adequate place for the cremation of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Government has not done justice to the dignity of the post of former Prime Minister, the personality of Manmohan Singh, his legacy and the self-respecting Sikh community," Priyanka Gandhi posted on X.

The Wayanad MP further said that "earlier all former Prime Ministers" were given the highest honour and respect and Manmohan Singh deserves this "honour and Samadhi Sthal."

"Today the whole world is remembering his contribution. The government should have thought beyond politics and narrow-mindedness in this matter. This morning, I felt this when I saw Dr. Manmohan Singh ji's family members struggling for a place at the funeral site, trying to find a place in the crowd, and the general public getting troubled due to lack of space and paying tribute from the road outside," she added.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Saturday stated that the home ministry is deciding on dedicating a memorial to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26.

"... We have lost a great person. The home ministry is deciding on dedicating a memorial to him and we all pay our respects to him from our party," the Union Minister told ANI.

"The BJP's statement that he was not respected as much as he deserved is factual," Athawale added.

After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union home minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the Government will allocate space for the memorial.

Earlier in the day, BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan slammed the Congress, accusing it of "unsuccessfully trying to politicise the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh."

"The Congress is unsuccessfully trying to politicise the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh. They should remember the deadly 1984 riots in which our Sikh brothers and sisters were massacred under their watch," Kesavan told ANI.

Reiterating the Bharatiya Janata Party's belief in "dignity in death," party MP Sambit Patra on Saturday attacked Congress for indulging in "politics" over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and said that if someone has "damaged the dignity" of former Finance Minister it's Congress party.

"This is a new low in politics of India, thanks to the Congress party. Due to the Congres party - we are here to have a press conference on the day when the last rites of the former prime minister were done... BJP believes that there has to be dignity in death," Patra said addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar.

Patra further added that after the passing of the former Prime Minister, the Cabinet had sent a letter to the Congress and Manmohan Singh's family, expressing the government's intent to build a memorial in his honour.

"The kind of politics Congress is doing, especially Rahul Gandhi who has tweeted accusing BJP of disrespecting former PM Manmohan Singh by conducting his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat. You all should know the truth behind it. We in a cabinet meeting after the demise of the former PM Manmohan Singh - decided that since he was the PM and had a big stature - the cabinet wrote a letter to Congress and Dr Singh's family - where the cabinet said that we should build a memorial in his name so that the country and the world remember him for his positive works," he added.

The Gujarat Congress will hold a "shradhanjali sabha" (condolence meeting) for former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday. Dr Singh, a renowned scholar who ushered in economic liberalisation as Union finance minister in the 1990s, died in AIIMS Delhi on Thursday at the age of 92. "State Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil, leader of Opposition Amit Chavda as well as party MPs, MLAs and AICC office bearers will be present at the condolence meeting," a party release informed on Saturday.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh "reshaped" India's economy and set the stage for its "remarkable growth", Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Saturday as he expressed his condolences. Singh died on Thursday at the age of 92. He was the first Sikh to lead India and was prime minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014.

"Singh was a statesman who reshaped and liberalised India's economy through his vision and determination. This set the stage for India's remarkable growth and emergence as a key regional and global player," Wong said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Wong added that Singapore-India relations grew significantly under Singh, noting that the landmark Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was signed during his tenure.

"It was a milestone in our relations and laid the foundation for the strong economic partnership we enjoy today," Wong wrote.

He also said Singh played an important role in strengthening India's engagement with ASEAN. Under his leadership, India joined the East Asia Summit in 2005 and actively supported ASEAN's efforts in building a stronger regional architecture.

"Our thoughts are with the people of India during this period of grief," Wong wrote in the letter.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Saturday attended the funeral of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, a day after leading the Himalayan nation in offering prayers for the Indian leader at a Buddhist monastery in Thimphu. Separate prayer ceremonies were held for the former Indian prime minister at all 20 Dzongkhags or districts of Bhutan, according to the Bhutan government.

As a mark of respect to Singh, Bhutan's national flag was flown at half-mast across the country and at its embassies, and consulates abroad, according to the Royal Bhutan government.

A thousand butter lamps were lit at the ceremony held in Thimphu's Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong that was led by the King.

The prayer was attended by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, several members of the Royal family and senior officials of the Bhutanese government.

"As a mark of respect to the late former prime minister and in solidarity with the government and people of India, all national flags across the country and at Bhutan's embassies, missions, and consulates abroad are being flown at half-mast," the Bhutanese government said in a social media post on Friday.

Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the charge d'affaires of the Palestine embassy in India, on Friday paid his last respects to former prime minister Manmohan Singh and appreciated his support to Palestine. Jazer said Singh played a key role in Palestine getting land for its embassy in Delhi.
"We have a history of relationships. He (Singh) met Yasser Arafat in 1991 when he was finance minister, he met (State of Palestine) President Mahmoud Abbas several times throughout his tenure," the diplomat told reporters outside the Congress headquarters where he paid tribute to the former prime minister on behalf of Palestine.

He also laid a wreath on behalf of the president of the State of Palestine.

"We had good relations with him (Singh). He met our president several times during his tenure. He also provided land for establishing the Palestinian embassy in Delhi, gave support to build the embassy, and also inaugurated it in 2012," Jazer said.

"We appreciate his support to Palestine, we are remembering his contributions. We stand with the Indian people to show our respect for the leader," he added.

As the nation bid adieu to former prime minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Saturday, two tribals in a remote Odisha district, who were honoured by him in 2012 for biodiversity conservation, recalled with tears cherished memories with the beloved leader. Raila Muduli, a resident of Boliguda village and Chandra Pradhani of Nuaguda, said words were not enough to express their grief over the demise of Singh.

The former PM passed away on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to age-related medical complications. He was 92.

Muduli and Pradhani had received Certificates of Recognition for their contribution to biodiversity conservation from Singh during the 99th Indian Science Congress held at Bhubaneswar 12 years ago.

"I was at a loss for words when I heard about his demise on Friday," said Raila, a farmer from the Bhumia tribe.

"I remember feeling very nervous that day (in 2012), but receiving the award from the former prime minister was an unforgettable moment. He was gentle and soft-spoken, and encouraged us to work dedicatedly for biodiversity conservation," he said.

Pradhani couldn't hold back tears while recalling his brief interaction with Singh.

"Sir smiled at me as I received the award and motivated us to continue our efforts in preserving biodiversity. His words will remain an inspiration for years to come," he said.

"I wish I had more opportunities to meet him," Pradhani said.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday termed the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a real loss for the modern India. He also called Singh "architect of modern India 2.0".

"This is a real loss for the modern India...He was the architect of modern India 2.0 which Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to establish," Tagore told ANI.

"He took forward that work in the 21st century and took India where we are...He was a great man and contributed to the nation building," he added.

Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad remembered Manmohan Singh as person who lived a simple life with high thinking.

"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," Prasad told ANI.

UN chief Antonio Guterres is saddened by the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who played a "pivotal role" in shaping the nation's "economic trajectory". The Secretary-General expressed his "deep" condolences to Singh's family, the government, and the people of India.

Expressing condolences following Singh's death, Guterres notes the former prime minister's contributions to India and the UN.

"The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the passing of Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Singh played a pivotal role in India's recent history, particularly in shaping its economic trajectory," a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said.

"As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh oversaw a period of significant economic growth and development in India. Under his leadership, India also strengthened its collaboration with the United Nations, contributing actively to global initiatives and partnerships," the statement said.

"The Secretary-General extends his deep condolences to Singh's family and the Government and people of India," it said.

As former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was laid to rest at Nigambodh Ghat, the government dignitaries and leaders across party lines paid their respects to the former Prime Minister. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that his biggest achievement was to give the country the right to food, employment, and education.

"He left after giving directions to the country. When the country was going through an economic crisis, he was the Finance Minister. He served as the Prime Minister for 10 years. Sonia Gandhi nominated him as the PM. He gave the country the Right to Food, Right to Employment, and Right to Education. This was his biggest achievement," Sukhu told reporters while leaving from Nigambodh Ghat.

Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi said that the government of India should award the former PM with Bharat Ratna and allocate space for a memorial.

"He gave a lot to the nation and worked towards nation-building. He will always be remembered for improving the economic conditions of this country. I appeal to the government of India that they should award Bharat Ratna to a man who was honest and simple. They should allocate space to him...He should be given the respect he deserves..." Channi, former chief minister of Punjab, told ANI.

Mauritius has announced that its national flag will fly at half-mast at all government offices and institutions till sunset on Saturday as a mark of respect to India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh. In a note, Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's office also urged the private sector to fly the flags at half-mast.
Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful travelled to Delhi and paid respects to the former prime minister.

"Following the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of the Republic of India, the public is hereby informed that the Mauritius Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings until sunset today Saturday, the day of his funeral," the Mauritius prime minister's office said.

"An appeal is also made to the private sector for all flags to be flown at half-mast," it said in the note.

The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were cremated at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi on Saturday, accompanied by the chanting of religious hymns. His eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre.

The last rites were attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior leaders and foreign dignitaries.

Among the foreign dignitaries present were the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, who paid their tributes to Dr. Singh.

Other leaders who paid their respects included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of the three armed services also paid their final respects to the former prime minister.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar honoured the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, stating, "We feel he is still alive. All his contributions to the country have given us strength. He brought the Right to Education, Right to Information, Aadhar Card, and several others."

Following the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Mauritius Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings until sunset today Saturday 28 December, the day of his funeral: Mauritius Prime Minister's Office

Sikh priests, family members of former PM Manmohan Singh recite verses from Gurbani before his last rites.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Congress leaders and others present at Nigam Bodh Ghat.

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin have arrived in India to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh died on December 26 at AIIMS Delhi.

Mortal remains of former PM Manmohan Singh reach Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi for the last rites.

Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh brought at Nigam Bodh Ghat for his last rites.

Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh died on 26th December at AIIMS Delhi.

Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being taken to Nigam Bodh Ghat for his last rites.

Manmohan Singh believed India’s development priorities should shape its foreign policy and, in his own words, create a global environment conducive for India’s growth. It was with this in mind that he met President George Bush in 2005 on the margins of the UNGA and asked him if the US could help India access clean energy in the face of many embargoes it had been facing since the 1998 nuclear tests. The rest, as they say, is history.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed his sorrow over the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, calling it "a real loss for modern India." He highlighted Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in shaping the nation, saying, "He was the architect of modern India 2.0, which Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to establish. He took forward that work in the 21st century and took India where we are today." Tagore praised Dr. Singh's contributions, adding, "He was a great man and contributed immensely to nation-building."

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's wife, Gursharan Kaur, and daughter, Daman Singh, paid their last respects to him on Saturday at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi.

Several politicians, including Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, also paid their respects to Dr. Singh.

Preparations for the funeral march are underway at Nigam Bodh Ghat.

In a statement following the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress MP Manish Tewari shared his heartfelt condolences. "Today is a very poignant moment," he said, remembering Dr. Singh as "a very fine person, a renowned economist, a world statesperson." Tewari further remarked, "It is a sad day not only for India but for the world. He lived a very noble and simple life." He concluded his tribute with, "May his soul rest in peace," acknowledging the profound loss of a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping India's economic landscape.

Seen as “docile” and “time server”, Manmohan Singh was supposed to fold up when threatened with the survival of his fortuitous perch of Prime Minister. Then indispensable UPA pillar, the CPM, led by a doctrinaire Prakash Karat, had laid down the red line over the path-breaking Indo-US nuclear deal.
But instead of putting survival over self-respect, Singh defended the deal to the Communist apparatchik in a matter-of-fact chat on August 7, 2007, and defied him to carry out his threat. “If you want to withdraw support, so be it.”