Suvendu Adhikari Honors Manmohan Singh as a Universally Respected Politician

Kolkata, Dec 27 (NationPress) Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal and a BJP figure, on Thursday, referred to the late former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a universally respected politician acknowledged for his vital contributions to India's economic progress as an esteemed economist.

Adhikari, who had been a member of the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha during the second term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under Manmohan Singh from 2009 to 2014, noted that the Trinamool Congress was a coalition partner at that time, with current West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee serving as the Railway Minister.

"A highly regarded economist, he made significant impacts on the Indian economy while holding various governmental roles, including that of Finance Minister. Dr. Singh will be forever remembered as a prominent leader respected across the political spectrum," stated Adhikari shortly after the news of Singh's passing became public.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers during this challenging time. May his soul find eternal peace. Om Shanti," his statement further expressed.

Adhikari also shared a photograph of himself with Manmohan Singh from that era.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the passing of former PM Manmohan Singh, who died at the age of 92 in AIIMS.

On X, PM Modi wrote: "India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Rising from modest beginnings, he evolved into a respected economist. His service in various government roles, particularly as Finance Minister, left a lasting impact on our economic policies. His insightful contributions in Parliament were notable. As Prime Minister, he worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of citizens. The renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, Manmohan Singh, passed away at 92 after his health declined, leading to hospitalization at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who served as Railway Minister during Singh's second term in the Congress-led UPA government, expressed her condolences regarding the loss of the veteran Congress leader.

In a statement issued on Friday night following the announcement of Manmohan Singh's death, Banerjee expressed that she was "deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh."

"I had the privilege of working alongside him and observed his wisdom and erudition up close in the Union Cabinet. The depth of the financial reforms he introduced in our nation is widely recognized," the Chief Minister's statement noted.

She also remarked that while the nation will feel the void left by Manmohan Singh's leadership, she will personally miss his kindness.

"My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and supporters," concluded the Chief Minister's statement.