Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra pay tribute to Manmohan Singh, recall role in India's economic transformation

New Delhi, Sep 26 : Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to India's economic transformation, nation-building and inclusive development.

In separate posts on X, the two Congress leaders remembered Singh as a visionary statesman and praised his role in shaping India's economic policies and expanding opportunities for millions.

Kharge said Singh's contribution to nation-building would always be remembered with profound respect. He highlighted the former Prime Minister's landmark economic reforms, commitment to inclusive growth and focus on the welfare of vulnerable sections of society.

"We remember with profound respect the extraordinary contribution of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to India's nation-building," Kharge said, describing him as a "visionary statesman" whose economic reforms transformed India's growth trajectory and created new opportunities.

Recalling Singh's style of governance, Kharge said his humility, integrity and wisdom defined his public life. He also highlighted the rights-based framework associated with Singh's tenure, saying it remained an enduring testament to his vision of governance and social welfare.

Kharge said Singh's legacy of public service, inclusive development and economic reforms would continue to inspire future generations.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid homage to Singh, recalling his contribution to India's economic progress and prosperity.

In a post in Hindi on X, she described Singh as an accomplished economist and successful politician who gave significant momentum to India's development and took the country's prosperity to new heights.

She said Singh's "visionary and inclusive economic policies" contributed to the welfare of different sections of society and that his contribution to the country's development would always be remembered.

Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was also closely associated with the economic reforms of 1991, when he served as Finance Minister in the P V Narasimha Rao government.

Introduced against the backdrop of a severe balance-of-payments crisis, the 1991 reforms marked a major shift in India's economic policy, with measures aimed at liberalisation, greater integration with the global economy and a larger role for the private sector.

As Prime Minister, Singh headed the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government for two consecutive terms. His tenure also saw the introduction of several rights-based welfare and governance measures, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act.

Singh, known for his academic credentials and understated public demeanour, died on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.

His birth anniversary continues to be marked by political leaders across party lines, who recall his contributions to India's economic policy and public life.