NEW DELHI: Often accused of being indifferent to leaders not belonging to the Gandhi family, the Congress has made an exception for Dr Manmohan Singh owing to his high stature.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), in a condolence meeting held here today, described Dr Singh as the “architect of India’s economic liberalisation”. In a resolution passed at the meeting, the CWC mourned the loss of a “true statesman whose life and work have profoundly shaped the destiny of India”. He was a towering figure in India’s political and economic landscape whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide, it said. “With unmatched foresight, he initiated a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance of payments crisis but also opened its doors to global markets,” the resolution said. Crediting him with initiatives like the Right to Education, MGNREGA, Indo-US civil nuclear deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act, farm debt waiver and debt relief scheme and the 93rd Constitutional Amendment that advanced social justice for the SCs/STs and OBCs, the resolution pledged to carry forward Dr Singh’s enduring legacy.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, made a “rare appearance” at the CWC meeting held to pay homage to Dr Singh. While Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attended the meeting, Priyanka’s presence was a surprise since, despite being a member of the CWC, she seldom attends its meetings.
Both Sonia and Priyanka were not present in a key CWC meeting that took place at Belagavi in Karnataka on Thursday to chalk out the party’s strategy to take on the BJP.
Rahul, while showcasing that he has come a long way since he tore up an ordinance passed by the Manmohan Singh-led government in 2013 pertaining to exemption to convicted lawmakers from disqualification, described Dr Manmohan Singh as a mentor.
Priyanka said Manmohan was her guardian and guide. “He was an ideal for crores of people. He was an example of service, simplicity and dedication. Today, millions of eyes are moist,” the Wayanad MP wrote on X.
Dr Singh’s mortal remains will be kept at the AICC headquarters on Saturday for people to pay their last respects before the cremation at Nigambodh Ghat at 11.45 am.
The Gandhis, who already visited Dr Manmohan Singh’s residence to pay their respects, will lead the Congress in paying homage to the former Prime Minister at the party headquarters.