Kerala leaders condole death of Manmohan Singh as State observes seven-day national mourning-OxBig News Network

Manmohan Singh
| Photo Credit: PTI

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and a host of leaders across the political aisle condoled the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a hospital in New Delhi late on Thursday (December 26, 2024).

The Kerala government flew the national flag at half mast in its offices and facilities across the State as a mark of respect to Singh. It also cancelled official entertainment from December 26 to January 1, the seven-day mourning period.

Mr. Vijayan remembered the late former Prime Minister as a politician who upheld the secular and democratic nature of the Union of India. 

In a condolence message, Mr. Vijayan said Singh’s first loyalty was to the Indian Constitution, and it never wavered.

He said the Left foresaw the social and economic consequences of Singh’s neoliberal economic policies as Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

Principles of democracy

Mr. Vijayan said Singh’s opposition to the Left on economic and political matters was well within the principles of democracy, respect for opposing points of view and civic etiquette. He said that as Foreign Minister, Singh strove to build India’s relationship with the world. 

Mr. Vijayan said Singh was unlike other politicians. He was a globally renowned economist and financial expert instrumental in recasting India’s fiscal planning and policy, he added.

“Some of his policies were revolutionary and pro-people. They included the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the National Rural Health Mission, the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and the Right to Fair Compensation Act, various banking sector reforms, and the writing of agricultural loans,” said Mr. Vijayan.

Unlike many others: Satheesan

Mr. Satheesan termed Singh “a leader unlike many others.”

He said Singh harnessed his financial expertise to push India toward rapid development and economic growth, adding that Singh was known for his honesty and forthrightness.