Manmohan Singh's cremation on Saturday; mortal remains to be kept at Congress HQs

As the nation pays tributes to Manmohan Singh, his last journey is set to begin from the Congress headquarters on Saturday.

The last rites of former PM Manmohan Singh will be performed at Nigambodh Ghat in

Delhi at 11.45 am tomorrow (December 28), announced the Home Ministry.

Dr Manmohan Singh, the country's 14th Prime Minister and one of the most renowned economists, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Dr Manmohan Singh's mortal remains will be kept at his residence 3, Motilal Nehru Road, in the national Capital on Friday, for the public to offer their condolences.

Tomorrow morning, his body will be kept at the Congress headquarters, where party workers will have the opportunity to pay floral tributes, between 8.30 am - 9.30 am. The former PM will be accorded a state funeral.

On the day of the funeral, a half-day holiday will be declared in all the Central Government offices and CPSUs.

After the news broke of Dr Manmohan Singh's demise at AIIMS last night, streams of tributes and condolence messages started pouring in.

President Murmu, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah led the nation in paying homage to the former Prime Minister.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the party's Wayanad MP Priyanka Vadra also paid floral tributes to the late Prime Minister.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi placed a wreath at his mortal remains wrapped in the Tricolour and offered prayers there.

In his condolence message, Rahul Gandhi said, "Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride."

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also paid his final respects to the former Prime Minister at his residence in New Delhi.

They conveyed their condolences to the family members of Dr Singh, acknowledging his enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to the nation.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi also passed a condolence resolution.

The Union Cabinet paid homage to Dr Singh by observing a two-minute silence.

A nationwide mourning has been announced for seven days till January 1, 2025.

With inputs from IANS