Nitish Kumar and Hemant Soren mourn Manmohan Singh’s death-OxBig News Network

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren pay tribute to former PM Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on December 27, 2024. Photo: X/@INCIndia

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren postponed their scheduled programme on Friday as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who passed away at Delhi AIIMS hospital on Thursday.

As part of his ongoing Pragati Yatra, Mr. Kumar was scheduled to review the developmental work in Muzaffarpur and Vaishali district on Friday and Saturday, respectively. However, he cancelled his visit and now it has been rescheduled for January 5 and 6.

Bihar Cabinet Secretariat issued the letter stating that the ‘Pragati Yatra’ programme of the Chief Minister to be held in Muzaffarpur on December 27 and in Vaishali on December 28 under the first phase has been revised. Mr. Kumar will travel to the rest of the districts as scheduled earlier.

Earlier on Thursday night after the news of Mr. Singh passing away was confirmed by AIIMS, Mr. Kumar posted a message on X saying, “The demise of former Prime Minister of the country Dr. Manmohan Singh is sad. He was a skilled politician and economist. Under his leadership, India’s economy got a new direction. The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. We pray to God for eternal peace of the departed soul.”

Mr. Singh had visited Bihar many times and also visited the famous Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna City. The flood in Bihar in 2008 was declared a national disaster and ₹1,000 crore was given to Bihar by Mr. Singh. Also, the decision to establish a central university in South Bihar was taken during his tenure.

Mr. Soren had posted a message on X on Thursday saying, “Today the country lost one of its great sons. The news of the demise of former Prime Minister of the country and world-renowned economist respected Shri Manmohan Singh ji is extremely sad. The pioneer of developmental politics and governance, respected Manmohan Singh ji had selflessly devoted his entire life to the service of the country and countrymen.”

He added, “Today Manmohan Singh ji is not among us, but his ideals and thoughts will always inspire us. May Marang Buru grant peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family and the countrymen to bear this difficult moment of grief.”

On December 28, Mr. Soren was scheduled to transfer the first instalment of ₹ 2,500 to the bank account of eligible women as promised during the election. The Jharkhand government has not yet announced the new date for transferring the revised amount.