"Great loss to country, Congress party": Abhijit Mukherjee on demise of Manmohan Singh - World News Network

New Delhi [India], December 29 (ANI): Abhijit Mukherjee, the son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and said that the passing away of the late leader is a great loss to the country and the Congress party.
“I couldn’t attend his funeral but tomorrow or the day after I will go and pay tribute if they allow us. It is a great loss to the country and Congress. The last rites are the rights of families, so as per the sikh ritual, it has been done,” said Abhijit Mukherjee while speaking to ANI.
Sharing his mind over the controversy surrounding Manmohan Singh’s cremation, Mukherjee said, “I don’t think there should be a controversy. We want a memorial (for him). I appeal to the government and fully endorse Congress President Mallikarjun’s appeal to the govt, they should think about it.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, during a party meeting on Sunday, observed a moment of silence to express grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and prayed for peace of the departed soul during the organisational meeting of the party.
Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi.
Earlier today, the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat.
His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today.
The family of the late former PM Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas.On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and government dignitaries.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to the former PM by placing a wreath near his mortal remains earlier today.
The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Singh’s mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present for the cremation ceremony after they paid tribute to the former Prime Minister.
The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi from his residence on early Saturday morning for party workers to pay their respects. Several people also gathered outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their tributes.
Singh’s political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he spearheaded economic reforms that transformed India’s economy. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His tenure is particularly remembered for his steady leadership during economic crises and his contributions to modernising India’s economy.
After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. (ANI)

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