'A gentle intellectual' and 'visionary statesman': Politicians mourn demise of Manmohan Singh

Former prime minister and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh breathed his last at Delhi's AIIMS hospital on Thursday night. The 92-year-old leader had been in poor health for the last few months and was admitted to the hospital on Thursday after he suffered a sudden loss of consciousness.

"India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh," Modi wrote on X.

He said rising from humble origins, Singh rose to become a respected economist and as a prime minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives.

"Manmohan Singh served in various govt positions, including as finance minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy," he added.

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said India had lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity and an economist of unparalleled stature. 

"His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty," Kharge wrote on X.

Kharge described Singh as a "gentle intellectual" and a "humble soul" who embodied the aspirations of India.

"A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history," said the Congress chief.

PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said only a few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Manmohan Singh did.

"Manmohan Singh remained steadfast in commitment to serve nation despite being subjected to unfair, deeply personal attacks," she said, adding that the former PM's honesty will always be an inspiration.

JAGDEEP DHANKHAR

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar noted that Singh had transformed India's economic landscape.

"Manmohan Singh boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity," he said.

RAHUL GANDHI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Singh had led India with immense wisdom and integrity. 

Rahul, who is the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, said Singh's humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation.

"I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," he said.

AMIT SHAH

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the death of Singh and said he had played an important role in the country's governance.

The home minister said the news of Singh's demise is extremely sad.

"From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country," he wrote on X in Hindi.

"I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this loss," he said. 

MAMATA BANERJEE

Expressing shock over the demise of the former prime minister, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remembered her days of working with Singh, saying she would miss his affection.

"Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former prime minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged," Banerjee wrote on X.

"The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers," she said.