Manmohan Singh may retire from public life after over 50 years of illustrious political innings: Report

After playing a significant role in Indian political history, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh will reportedly retire from public life now, report said citing sources.

The frail health of Manmohan Singh, 91, is the key reason why he would want to say goodbye to his political career. Notably, the veteran Congress leader was rarely seen in the Parliament in the past few years. Singh did not attend a single Budget session this year. He was last seen only for a day in the Rajya Sabha. Manmohan Sigh has been a member of the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) since 1991.

According to an HT report, citing an aide of the former Prime Minister, "He is mentally well, but finds it difficult to move".

"His return to the Rajya Sabha is out of the question," the aide said. “As a wheelchair user, he needs more than one person to accompany him when he attends the House,’’ the aide told Hindustan Times, adding that the layout of the new Parliament and security concerns also made his attendance tricky.

Manmohan Singh's term as Rajya Sabha member will end in April this year.

On Thursday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the "immense contribution" of Manmohan Singh.

"I wish to remember Dr Manmohan Singh today, his contribution in the House, with his invaluable thoughts, both as a leader and in the opposition has been immense. For such a long time, the way he has guided this House and country, Dr Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for it," PM Modi said during his speech in the upper house.

In his speech in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi praised former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's commitment to his duties as a parliamentarian. "It doesn't matter who he was supporting, I believe that he was supporting our