NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate. The solemn ceremony was attended by his family, close friends, political colleagues, and top government dignitaries.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to Dr. Singh, placing wreaths near his mortal remains earlier in the day.
The final rites were performed at the VIP Ghat following Sikh traditions. The late Prime Minister’s body was laid on a sandalwood pyre during the cremation.
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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, also attended the ceremony after offering their tributes at the cremation site.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Dr. Singh’s mortal remains were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, allowing party workers and supporters to pay their respects. Crowds gathered outside his Delhi residence to offer condolences to the family and honour the legacy of the leader.
Speaking about Dr. Singh’s contributions, Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry said, “He created laws that have impacted millions of lives. His demise is a profound loss for the nation.”
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BJP MP Naveen Jindal and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed their sorrow over his passing. Jindal called him “one of the nation’s great leaders” and commended his significant reforms, while Sukhu highlighted his role in implementing transformative policies such as the Right to Food and Right to Employment.
In a gesture of respect, Bhutan held a special prayer ceremony at the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong for Dr. Singh. National flags across Bhutan and its diplomatic missions worldwide were flown at half-mast in solidarity with India and its people.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, leaves behind a legacy of economic reforms and social policies that shaped modern India. His leadership and vision will be remembered for generations.