Former PM Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an eminent economist and statesman, passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday. The senior Congress leader, who served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi earlier in the day after his health deteriorated.

Press release released by AIIMS read, “With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Marunohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024 Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.”

Manmohan Singh, who recently retired from the Rajya Sabha after serving in the Upper House for 33 years, breathed his last at the hospital. While there was no official confirmation from AIIMS Delhi at the time of reporting, senior leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, were seen arriving at the hospital.

Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, paid tribute to the former Prime Minister on social media, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fmr Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. My deepest condolences for his family and loved ones. Thank you for your service to our Nation. You will always be remembered for the economic revolution and progressive changes you brought to the country.”

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh’s journey was one of resilience and brilliance. His family migrated to India during the partition in 1947. After earning his doctorate in economics from Oxford University, Singh held key positions in Indian governance, including Chief Economic Advisor, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and head of the Planning Commission.

Singh rose to national prominence as Finance Minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government (1991–1996), where he spearheaded economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy. His initiatives transformed the country’s financial landscape and established him as a globally respected economist.

In 2004, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came to power, Singh was chosen as Prime Minister. His tenure saw landmark policies such as the National Rural Health Mission, the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the Right to Information Act. His government also advanced India’s global stature with a historic civil nuclear agreement with the United States.

Despite these achievements, Singh’s second term from 2009 to 2014 was marred by allegations of corruption, including the 2G spectrum and coal block allocation cases. Singh remained steadfast in his commitment to governance but stepped aside from active politics after the Congress’s defeat in the 2014 general elections.

Details regarding his final rites are awaited as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most revered leaders.