Manmohan was widely respected for his service, wisdom: Rajnath

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. file. | Photo Courtesy: Sandeep Saxena

On Thursday, condolences were expressed for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from both the aisles, those who worked with him and those who sat in opposition. Leaders mourned him and Dr. reflected on Singh’s long public life.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh credited him with rebuilding India’s economy during difficult times. “His service and wisdom were widely respected. His contribution to India’s progress will always be remembered,” Mr. Singh said.

Road Transport Minister and former BJP President Nitin Gadkari said, “A leader of unparalleled humility and quiet strength, he always put the interests of the country above all else. During my tenure as BJP President, I had the privilege of engaging with him on several occasions, each interaction leaving a lasting impression.”

Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Dr Singh was synonymous with “clean politics”.

Bihar Chief Minister and JDU president Nitish Kumar, who had a brief alliance with the Congress, called Dr Singh a “skilled politician and economist”. Which gave a new direction to the Indian economy.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu credited Dr Singh for tirelessly serving the nation and uplifting millions. Addressing him as an “intellectual statesman”, Shri Naidu called Dr. Singh said he “embodied humility, intelligence and honesty”.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had the opportunity to interact and learn from Dr Singh. “He was truly an intellectual giant, a brilliant economist but above all he was a complete gentleman,” Mr Abdullah said.

Also Read: Reaction to Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Death Live

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s death is an irreparable loss to the country. His qualities of wisdom and simplicity are impossible to put into words.”

NCP-Ajit Pawar leader Praful Patel, who served in Dr Singh’s cabinet, said the former prime minister “reshaped the fortunes of millions.” “I had the honor and privilege of serving as a minister during his tenure and witnessed his wisdom, humility and dedication to the nation. As Finance Minister and later Prime Minister, he changed India’s economic landscape and left a lasting legacy of progress and reform,” said Mr. Patel.

While mourning, it is also time for some to reflect on the criticism he faced during his second term as prime minister. “This Cabinet led by the Prime Minister may have words of condolence for Dr. Singh’s demise but will never forget the words and actions against him – insults, shameful accusations, character assassination and attacks on great people. Man,” Rajya Sabha member and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said.