DK Shivakumar pays tribute to Manmohan Singh, calls him architect of landmark bills

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday (December 28) paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him the architect of transformative policies that changed the destiny of the nation.

Speaking to the media after laying a wreath on the former Prime Minister’s mortal remains, Shivakumar highlighted his monumental contributions. “He was the architect of Forest Land Rights, the Food Security Bill, MGNREGA, the Right to Education Bill, among others. These landmark bills significantly improved the lives of rural citizens. He remains alive in our hearts through his pro-people policies,” Shivakumar said.

Reflecting on Singh’s legacy, Shivakumar added, “He played a pivotal role in ensuring farmers received fair compensation for lands given for developmental projects. The media and even opposition parties are now recognising his immense contributions to the country.”

The Deputy CM praised Manmohan Singh for upholding the Constitution and stabilising the country’s economy. “He protected the sanctity of the Constitution and laws of the land. As an economist, he tried to make the country economically stable and secure. The opposition parties also agree on this today. Sonia Gandhi refused the PM’s post and then handed it over to Manmohan Singh. History will not forget Nehru-Gandhi family’s contribution,” he said.

Shivakumar reflected on Singh’s statement that history would treat him kindly. “He always used to say that, and as you see today, it is coming true,” Shivakumar noted.

Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who spearheaded India’s economic liberalisation, died at the age of 92 in Delhi, late on Thursday (December 26).

He was cremated with full state honours in New Delhi on Saturday, in the presence of dignitaries from India and abroad. His eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre at Nigambodh Ghat amid the chanting of religious hymns.

The ceremony was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.