Kolkata, Dec 27 Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader, on Thursday, described the late former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as a unanimously respected politician regarded for his contribution towards India's economic development as an economist.
BJP leader Adhikari had served as the then Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member during the second term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister from 2009 to 2014, where Trinamool Congress was an ally and the current West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the Railway Minister.
"A respected economist, he left his mark on the Indian economy by contributing immensely while serving in various government positions and as the Finance Minister of India. Dr. Singh will always be remembered as a tall leader respected across the political spectrum," said Adhikari in a statement issued shortly after the news of Singh's demise surfaced.
"Heartfelt condolences to his family members, friends and admirers during this difficult moment. May his soul attain eternal peace. Om Shanti," his statement added.
Adhikari had also shared a picture of him with Manmohan Singh during that period.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the death of former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away here in the AIIMS at the age of 92.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was the Railway Minister during the second term of the Congress-led UPA government led by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has expressed condolences over the veteran Congress leader's death.
In a statement issued on Friday night soon after the death of Manmohan Singh was announced, Banerjee issued a statement, claiming that she is "profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh".
"I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country is widely acknowledged," the Chief Minister's statement said.
She also added that while the country will miss Manmohan Singh's stewardship, she will personally miss his affection.
"My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers," the Chief Minister's statement added.
--IANS
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