Manmohan was widely respected for his service, intellect: Rajnath  

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. File.
| Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA

Condolences poured in on Thursday for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from across the aisles, both who worked with him and those who sat in the Opposition. The leaders mourned him and reflected on Dr. Singh’s long public life.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited him for rebuilding India’s economy during a difficult time. “He was widely respected for his service and intellect. 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 placed the country’s welfare 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 Minister for Agriculture and Rural development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Dr. Singh was synonymous with “clean politics”.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) President Nitish Kumar, who had a brief alliance with the Congress, called Dr. Singh a “skilled politician and economist.” who gave the Indian economy a new direction.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu credited Dr. Singh for serving the nation tirelessly and uplifting millions. Calling him an “intellectual statesman” Mr. Naidu said Dr. Singh “embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity”.

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

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Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal in a post on X said, “The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for the country. It is impossible to put his qualities of wisdom and simplicity into words.”

NCP-Ajit Pawar leader Praful Patel, who served in Dr. Singh’s Cabinet, said the former Prime Minister “reshaped the destiny of millions.” “I had the honour and privilege of working as a Minister during his tenure and witnessed his intellect, humility, and dedication to the nation. As Finance Minister and later as Prime Minister, he transformed India’s economic landscape and left an enduring legacy of progress and reform,” Mr. Patel said.

As condolences poured in, it was 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 to express their grief on the passing of Dr. Singh but their words and action against him will never be forgotten — the vilification, the shameful charges, the character assassination and the hounding of a great man,” said Rajya Sabha member and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi.