THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI : The huge shamiana set up for the Gandhi Bharat event at the C Ped grounds in Belagavi by the Congress party became a space to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday evening. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddramiah, Dy CM D K Shivakumar and the entire cabinet including the MLAs and other elected representatives paid rich tributes to the former Prime Minister on Friday
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised Singh, calling him "arguably the greatest economist in the world." He described Singh as soft-spoken, sincere, and humble, highlighting his decade-long tenure as Prime Minister. "He spoke less, but always spoke the truth," Siddaramaiah said. He also remembered Manmohan Singh’s words during his last press conference as a Prime Minister. “History will be kinder to me than media,” Singh had told media men.
Singh’s contributions during India's economic crisis were remembered, including his introduction of key reforms and initiatives such as the Right to Education, Right to Food, Right to Work, and Right to Information. Siddaramaiah credited Singh for giving citizens fundamental rights and strengthening the nation’s economy. “During his visit to Karnataka as a Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that Karnataka’s economy is robust," Siddaramaiah added.
Speaking on the occasion Dy CM DK Shivakumar said that the former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, known for his pivotal role in shaping India’s economy, was set to join the two day Belavavi event virtually alongside Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi but was rushed to the hospital where he breathed his last.
Shivakumar also revealed that during dinner, Rahul Gandhi received a call around 9:15 PM, leading to the cancellation of the public function by 9:50 PM.
Shivakumar emphasised Singh’s legacy through policies like the 2% CSR initiative and farmer loan schemes. "He will live on through his works and initiatives," Shivakumar stated. He urged the Higher Education Minister to establish a Manmohan Singh Economic Research Centre at Bangalore University to honour Singh’s economic vision.
Former Union Minister Veerappa Moily, Minister H K Patil and others paid rich tributes to Dr Manmohan Singh. All the government offices and educational institutions remained closed on Friday as Karnataka has declared seven days of mourning.
Meanwhile Belagavi took a deserted look as the lighting, hoardings and banners across the city were removed as a mark of mourning. With the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues including the dignitaries from across the nation leaving Belagavi on Friday afternoon.
Churches in the Diocese of Belagavi pay rich tributes: We deeply mourn the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. As a mark of respect and honour, all the decorative lighting at Churches and Institutions of the Diocese of Belagavi will be turned off on December 27, Bishop of Belgaum Dr Derek Fernandes said in his message.
