Kerala leaders condole death of Manmohan Singh as State observes seven-day national mourning

Kerala leaders mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, praising his contributions to India's development and policies.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and a host of leaders across the political aisle condoled the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a hospital in New Delhi late on Thursday (December 26, 2024).

The Kerala government flew the national flag at half mast in its offices and facilities across the State as a mark of respect to Singh. It also cancelled official entertainment from December 26 to January 1, the seven-day mourning period.

Also read: Former PM Manmohan Singh death reactions LIVE

Mr. Vijayan remembered the late former Prime Minister as a politician who upheld the secular and democratic nature of the Union of India. 

In a condolence message, Mr. Vijayan said Singh’s first loyalty was to the Indian Constitution, and it never wavered.

He said the Left foresaw the social and economic consequences of Singh’s neoliberal economic policies as Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

Mr. Vijayan said Singh’s opposition to the Left on economic and political matters was well within the principles of democracy, respect for opposing points of view and civic etiquette. He said that as Foreign Minister, Singh strove to build India’s relationship with the world.