State to observe seven-day mourning over ex-PM’s death

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Friday. He went to Manmohan Singh’s residence on the Moti Lal Nehru Marg in the national capital and paid tributes to him.

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Sukhu landed in the national capital from Karnataka’s Belagavi where the party top brass had converged for a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. However, the programme was cut short after Manmohan Singh’s demise in New Delhi’s AIIMS on Thursday evening.

As a mark of respect to the departed leader, all offices and educational institutions in the state will remain closed for two days (December 27-28). The state will observe seven-day mourning during which the national flag will fly at half mast. The ongoing winter carnival in Shimla, too, has been postponed till January 1.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu have expressed sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Dr Manmohan Singh was a visionary and his contributions to India’s liberalisation reforms and his commitment to inclusive growth left an indelible mark on our country’s history,” the Governor said in his condolence message.

The Chief Minister said Manmohan Singh was a great leader and his demise was an immense loss to the nation.

Congress state president Pratibha Singh, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania and all ministers expressed grief over the demise of Manmohan Singh.

The CM noted that during Singh’s tenure, India made unprecedented progress in various sectors. His policies and programmes helped India gain a global identity. He further said that several historic decisions were made during his tenure, bringing positive changes to society and economy.

Chief Minister Sukhu said that under Singh’s leadership, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was implemented, which proved to be a historic step in providing employment to the poor and marginalised sections of society.

The Right to Information Act was passed, ensuring transparency and accountability in government processes. Several important laws were enacted during his tenure, paving the way for the nation’s progress.

The Chief Minister said that Singh would always be remembered for his services and contributions as an economist, politician and Prime Minister.