Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has resigned. President Pranab Mukherjee has accepted his resignation of and his Council of Ministers and asked him to continue in office till the new government takes over.

Before tendering his resignation, Dr Singh chaired the last Cabinet meeting, which adopted a resolution recommending the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. It also lauded the role of Dr Singh during his tenure for the last ten years since 2004.

Addressing the nation before laying down his office, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said the just concluded Lok Sabha elections have deepened the democratic polity and everyone should respect the judgement delivered by the people. Dr.Singh said in the last ten years, the country has seen many successes and achievements and the credit must go to the people

He said the time has come for India to become a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy. By blending tradition with modernity and unity with diversity, the country can show the way forward to the world. He said, India is a far stronger country in every respect than it was a decade ago. He, however, said there is vast latent development potential in the country and all must collectively work hard to realise it.

Dr Singh said that serving the country has been his privilege and there is nothing more that he could ask for. He wished the incoming government every success as its embarks on its task and pray for greater successes.

In the evening, the Prime Minister will host tea for the members of his Council of Ministers. Later, the President will host a dinner to them.