DHAKA: Amid the din of raucous political campaigning, hysteria of exit polls and high anticipation of election results in India, one man has been quietly preparing to say good-bye after a decade in power.

He has written farewell notes to various heads of state and foreign leaders, is wrapping up his final commitments and has packed his most precious possessions as he plans to leave 7 RCR or Seven Race Course Road on Thursday.

Indeed, Dr Manmohan Singh is clearing the way for the next occupant of the prime minister's official residence, who will take over from him after results are announced in India's nine-stage elections spread over 72 days.

Saturday will be Dr Singh’s last day in office after two terms at the helm of Asia’s third largest economy.

Expectations are that, while bidding his colleagues farewell in his last cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dr Singh may also take some decisions such as clearing Foreign Direct Investment in the pharma sector, Indian media say, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1636 HRS, MAY 13, 2014