The funeral procession of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh commenced on Saturday from the Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Leaders from across the political spectrum gathered to pay their final respects to the architect of India’s economic liberalization. Singh, a two-time Prime Minister and a towering figure in Indian politics, will be cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the last rites.

Earlier in the day, Singh's body was brought to the Congress headquarters, offering the public and party members a chance to bid their farewells. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other senior leaders, including KC Venugopal, were present to pay their tributes.

Memorial Plans Amid Political Discourse

The government has agreed to allocate space for a memorial honoring Singh, following a request from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. A statement from the Home Ministry confirmed that Home Minister Amit Shah communicated the decision to Singh’s family and Congress leadership on Friday. The memorial site will be finalized once a trust is formed to manage it.

This announcement followed a brief political exchange between the BJP and Congress, with Kharge emphasizing the need for a permanent site to honor Singh’s contributions to the nation.

Traffic Advisory and National Mourning

Authorities have issued a traffic advisory in Delhi, citing diversions at key locations, including Raja Ram Kohli Marg, Rajghat Red Light, Signature Bridge, and Yudhister Setu. Heavy traffic is expected, with restrictions on roads such as Ring Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Boulevard Road, and Netaji Subhash Marg from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The central government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country and at Indian missions abroad. Additionally, central government offices and public sector undertakings observed a half-day holiday on Saturday. Several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Assam, and Bihar, have also announced official mourning.

Tributes from Across the Globe

Tributes poured in from political leaders, international dignitaries, and citizens alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message, praised Singh’s life and legacy, describing him as an honest, simple, and distinguished leader. Modi highlighted Singh’s role in shaping India’s economic and political landscape, calling his journey an inspiring lesson in resilience and achievement.

The Union Cabinet passed a resolution expressing deep sorrow over Singh’s passing, stating, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was a statesman, economist, and leader whose contributions left an indelible mark on India’s progress.”

Chief Ministers of several states, including Atishi of Delhi, MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu, N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh, and K Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana, were among those who paid their last respects. Leaders from the BJP, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and JP Nadda, also attended the funeral procession.

Condolences were extended by global leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. These leaders recalled their interactions with Singh and highlighted his significant contributions to India’s global standing.

Legacy of an Economist and Statesman

Manmohan Singh, renowned as the architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalization, played a pivotal role in steering the nation through one of its most severe financial crises during his tenure as Finance Minister. His leadership as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by sustained economic growth, progressive social welfare programs, and transformative infrastructure development.

The Congress Working Committee described Singh as a “true statesman” and a visionary leader whose policies profoundly influenced India’s development. His life and work, they said, would remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

As India bids farewell to one of its most distinguished leaders, Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an economist, reformer, and statesman will continue to shape the nation’s path forward.