The Congress on December 26 paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his first death anniversary, remembering him as a leader whose tenure transformed India’s economy and reinforced democratic institutions.
Singh, who passed away in Delhi on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92 after age-related health issues, was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat on December 28. Senior political leaders, members of his family and government officials attended the last rites.
In a post on social media platform X, the Congress said Singh’s leadership left a deep and lasting impact on the country. The party described him as a statesman of integrity and vision who served the nation with humility, and credited him with strengthening India’s economic base and democratic framework.
Leaders from across the political spectrum also paid their respects. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recalled Singh’s role in bringing in landmark legislations such as the Right to Information Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in 2005, saying these measures promoted transparency and upheld the dignity of labour. He said Singh’s leadership struck a balance between economic reforms and social responsibility.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule described Singh as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation and a globally respected economist. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the former Prime Minister’s life and career were defined by intellect, integrity and dedicated public service.
Born on September 26, 1932, Singh was a renowned economist who served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. As Finance Minister between 1991 and 1996, he spearheaded sweeping economic reforms that opened up the Indian economy and earned international recognition.
Singh later served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His tenure saw the implementation of key welfare and governance initiatives, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, later renamed MGNREGA, and the Right to Information Act.
After completing his second term in office, Singh largely withdrew from public life. He was succeeded as Prime Minister by Narendra Modi following the 2014 general elections. For many, Manmohan Singh remains identified with a decade marked by economic growth, policy reform and an expanded global role for India.