Prominent leaders, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Defence Minister, and Cabinet Secretary, among others, will pay their respects by laying wreaths at the crematorium.
The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh were performed today at noon at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. His mortal remains, which were brought to the Congress headquarters from his residence in a vehicle adorned with flowers, were later taken to the cremation ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, top BJP leaders, as well as Congress leaders and members of the Gandhi family, paid tribute to the former PM. The final rites, which included a ceremonial guard of honour, were conducted with full state honours, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.
#WATCH | Last rites of former Prime Minister #DrManmohanSingh to be performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, PM Modi, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and others present at Nigam Bodh Ghat.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/AV4T02W3Hq
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024
The final journey of Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92, concluded at Nigambodh Ghat. Emotional chants of “Jab Tak Suraj Chand Rahega, Manmohan Singh Ka Naam Rahega” filled the air as his flower-adorned mortal remains were transported in an Army vehicle from the Congress headquarters to the cremation site.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accompanied Dr. Singh’s family in the funeral procession, reflecting his deep respect for the late leader. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi shared his sentiments on X, calling Dr. Singh a mentor and guide. “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family,” he wrote.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other prominent leaders attended the solemn ceremony. Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, were also present to honor Dr. Singh.
Earlier in the day, officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force brought Dr. Singh’s mortal remains to the Congress headquarters. Senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, paid tribute by draping his body in the Indian National Congress flag. A large crowd of party workers and supporters gathered outside, chanting “Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe” as the funeral procession commenced.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister, passed away on Thursday night at AIIMS in New Delhi. Widely regarded as the ‘Architect of India’s Economic Reforms,’ he served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). His contributions to India’s growth and governance have left an indelible mark on the nation.
On Friday, Dr. Singh’s mortal remains, kept at his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, allowed public to offer their condolences. On Saturday morning, at 8:00 am, the body will be moved to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. Congress workers and the public can pay their tributes there between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. The final journey will then proceed from the AICC office to the cremation site at 9:30 am.
Singh has left behind a legacy of transforming India through some of the greatest reforms in India’s history. He is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur, a history professor, and three daughters.
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory detailing road restrictions and diversions in New Delhi on Saturday, urging the public to avoid certain routes and opt for public transport to minimize congestion.
In the advisory, it was noted that numerous foreign dignitaries, VIPs, and members of the general public will visit Nigambodh Ghat for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on December 28, 2024.
Diversion points will include Raja Ram Kohli Marg, Rajghat Red Light, Signature Bridge, and Yudhister Setu.
Traffic restrictions, regulations, and diversions will be enforced on Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg), Nishad Raj Marg, Boulevard Road, SPM Marg, Lothian Road, and Netaji Subhash Marg starting from 7:00 am and are expected to remain in effect until 3:00 pm.
The public is advised to avoid these roads and areas where the procession will take place.
Commuters traveling to Old Delhi Railway Station, ISBT, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Tis Hazari Court should plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for possible delays.
