New Delhi, 27 December (HS): It has been drizzling in the national capital Delhi since this morning. The atmosphere in Bungalow No. 3 on Motilal Nehru Road in Lutyens Delhi is gloomy. Every eye is moist and shadows of grief are visible on the face of every visitor. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Manmohan Singh reached this huge Type-8 bungalow on a three-acre plot from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at around 1 am.
3, Motilal Nehru Road was the residence of renowned economist and former Prime Minister Singh for about 10 years. He breathed his last at AIIMS at the age of 92 at night. He had come to this bungalow when Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister in May 2014. Modi moved to 7 Race Course Road (now 7 Lok Kalyan Marg) and Singh to 3, Motilal Nehru Marg. Before Dr Singh, this bungalow used to be the official residence of the then Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit. She vacated it after the Congress’ defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections. Being a former Prime Minister, Singh along with his family had SPG security. Manmohan Singh was born on 26 September 1932 in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India.
At present, police barricades are installed outside 3 Motilal Nehru Marg. The central government has declared seven days of state mourning across the country from December 26 to January 1. After this, the Kerala government directed the district collectors to fly the national flag at half-mast in honor of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. An official announcement of the funeral program of the late leader is expected today. All official programs, including the foundation day celebrations of the Indian National Congress, have been canceled for the next seven days in honor of Dr Singh. The party flag will remain at half-mast during this period.
President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have condoled the death of Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while paying tribute to him, has recalled the political moments spent with him. Prime Minister Modi said, the country has lost one of its most distinguished leaders Dr. Manmohan Singh. Rising from a simple background, he became a respected economist. He served in various government positions including Finance Minister and left a deep impact on our economic policies for years. His thoughtful interventions in Parliament were also always remarkable. As Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve the lives of the people.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, a man of work rather than words, his incomparable contribution to nation building will always be inscribed in Indian history. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that Singh led India with intelligence and honesty. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the whole country. They have lost their guide.
Hindusthan Samachar
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