Security Tightened at ‘3, Motilal Nehru Road’ in New Delhi as People Arrive to Pay Homage to Manmohan Singh
Dr Ajay Bansal
New Delhi: Drizzle continued in the national capital this morning, adding to the somber atmosphere at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, in Lutyens’ Delhi. The mood is heavy with grief, with teary eyes and somber expressions on the faces of those arriving. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Manmohan Singh were brought to his residence from AIIMS at around 1 AM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late leader and expressed condolences to his family. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda also paid their respects. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi visited Dr. Singh’s residence to offer her condolences.
The residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, which served as Dr. Singh’s home for nearly a decade, is a sprawling Type-VIII bungalow spread over three acres. He moved into this house in May 2014, after Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister. Before him, the bungalow was the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist, and former Prime Minister, passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS late at night. Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in Punjab province of undivided India, Dr. Singh rose from a modest background to become one of India’s most respected leaders.
Security arrangements around 3, Motilal Nehru Road have been tightened with police barricades in place. The central government has declared seven days of state mourning from December 26 to January 1. The Kerala government has instructed district collectors to fly the national flag at half-mast in honor of Dr. Singh. Official announcements regarding the funeral arrangements are expected later today. All official Congress events, including the party’s foundation day celebrations, have been canceled, and the party flag will remain at half-mast for seven days.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed grief over his passing. Prime Minister Modi recalled his moments with Dr. Singh, stating, “The country has lost one of its most distinguished leaders. Rising from a humble background, he became a respected economist and served in various key positions, including as Finance Minister, leaving a profound impact on our economic policies. His thoughtful interventions in Parliament and his tenure as Prime Minister were marked by significant efforts to improve the lives of the people.”
Former Vice President Hamid Ansari remarked, “From 2007 to 2014, as Prime Minister, he provided constructive suggestions, ensuring a smooth parliamentary process. His tenure witnessed significant economic and foreign policy milestones, addressing key national challenges.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Dr. Singh was a man of action rather than words. His unparalleled contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in India’s history.” Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed, “Dr. Singh led India with wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the entire nation. Today, we have lost a mentor.”