Manmohan Singh: ‘So gentle in manner, so resolute in deeply held convictions,’ recalls Sonia Gandhi

'We have lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, who served our country with all his heart and mind,' says Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party, of departed former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who died last night (26 December 2024) in Delhi at the age of 92.

'[His] compassion and vision transformed and empowered the lives of millions of Indians,' continues her statement, shared on X by the official INC handle today, 27 December.

'His advice, wise counsel and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in our country,' she added. 'Respected and admired by leaders and scholars all over the world, he was hailed as a statesman of immense wisdom and stature.'

'To spend any time with him,' Gandhi writes in her message on behalf of the party, 'was to come away enlightened by his knowledge and sagacity, moved by his honesty and integrity, and awed by his genuine humility.'

'He leaves a void in our national life that can never be filled,' she writes in conclusion.

The Government of India has declared a seven-day state mourning for the late former prime minister and economist.

Meanwhile, the Congress truncated its scheduled programmes in Belagavi, where the party's extended CWC meeting is being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Belgaum session of 1924, presided over by another leading light of the party and the nation — Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the resolutions to now come out of it has been a condolence resolution for Dr Manmohan Singh.