Left Parties Mourn the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, A Champion of Secularism

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. His death was confirmed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, where he was admitted in critical condition around 8:30 PM. Singh, known for his role in India's economic reforms, was a significant figure in Indian politics.

The Communist Party of India Marxist expressed deep sorrow over Singh's passing, highlighting his dedication to secularism and democracy. "We express our sorrow at the death of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He was a leader with a strong commitment to secularism, democracy and the pluralist ethos of India," stated the party in a post on X.

Tributes from Political Leaders

Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist Liberation, reflected on Singh's legacy. He recalled Singh's statement that history would judge him more kindly than contemporary media did. Bhattacharya noted that Singh faced criticism for scandals that were never proven and for his perceived reticence.

In January 2014, during one of his final press conferences as Prime Minister, Singh addressed criticisms about his leadership. He stated, "I do not believe that I have been a weak Prime Minister ... I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter the Opposition in Parliament... Given the political compulsions, I have done the best I could do."

Legacy and Contributions

Singh's contributions to India's economic landscape were profound. As an architect of economic reforms, he played a crucial role in shaping modern India's economy. His ability to build consensus in a challenging political environment was widely acknowledged.

The Left parties extended their condolences to Singh's family, including his wife Gursharan Kaur and daughters. They acknowledged his significant impact on India's political and economic spheres.

Singh's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by both achievements and challenges. Despite facing criticism during his leadership, many now recognise his efforts to navigate complex political scenarios while maintaining India's pluralistic values.