Following the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Congress party announced a seven-day suspension of all official programs, including its foundation day celebrations. Dr. Singh, known as the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92. Congress leaders, including general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala, expressed their condolences and emphasized the party’s commitment to honoring his legacy. All party flags will be flown at half-mast during this mourning period, with programs set to resume on January 3, 2025.

Dr. Singh’s passing came as the Congress concluded its Working Committee meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, attended by the party’s top brass. As a mark of respect, the Congress canceled its ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally’ scheduled in Karnataka, along with all other outreach and agitational events. The announcement reflects the profound impact of Dr. Singh’s leadership, whose tenure as Finance Minister and Prime Minister reshaped India’s economic and social trajectory. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with allies and opponents alike acknowledging his intellect and forthrightness.

Throughout his career, Dr. Singh remained a symbol of integrity and dedication, steering India through pivotal reforms that opened the economy to globalization in 1991. His contributions, often described as transformative, were lauded by leaders such as Congress President Sonia Gandhi and others during his lifetime. The Congress party and the nation now pause to honor a leader who left an indelible mark on India’s history.