Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 due to age-related complications. A revered economist and a significant political figure, his life was marked by resilience and dedication despite facing substantial humiliation during his career. Singh’s legacy includes transformative economic reforms and a steadfast commitment to India’s progress, earning respect both nationally and globally.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a towering figure in Indian politics and a globally respected economist, passed away on 26th December at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital due to age-related complications. At 92, his life was a tapestry of dedication, challenges, and triumphs that shaped modern India. Despite facing personal and political humiliations during his career, Dr. Singh’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress remains a beacon of inspiration.
Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi mourned his demise, calling it a “personal loss”, and fondly remembered their years of association. However, history reveals how the very party that now glorifies him was also responsible for much of the humiliation he endured.
A Visionary Economist and Reluctant Politician
Dr. Singh’s journey from academia to the corridors of power is an inspiring story. Renowned for introducing transformative economic reforms in the 1990s, his tenure as Prime Minister was marked by monumental achievements as well as deeply humiliating episodes.
Let’s revisit four key incidents that highlight how Dr. Singh faced humiliation yet continued to work tirelessly for India.
1. Rajiv Gandhi’s ‘Joker Commission’ Remark
In 1986, as the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Singh presented a report on the rural economy to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. However, Gandhi dismissed the Planning Commission as a “joker commission”, a term that deeply humiliated Dr. Singh.
This public insult was a significant blow to his professional dignity. Colleagues persuaded him not to resign, and he stayed on, continuing his work with quiet determination.
2. Opposition as Finance Minister
In 1991, Dr. Singh became the Finance Minister under PV Narasimha Rao and spearheaded bold economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy. These reforms dismantled the restrictive Licence Raj and opened up India to global markets.
Despite their significance, his policies were fiercely opposed by Congress MPs, who accused him of being anti-middle class. The National Herald, a Congress-supported publication, criticized his economic measures.
Yet, Dr. Singh stood firm, knowing the reforms were essential for India’s economic survival. His resilience during this period showcased his dedication to national progress over personal or political comfort.
3. Power with Sonia Gandhi: The ‘Accidental Prime Minister’
When Sonia Gandhi declined the role of Prime Minister in 2004, the responsibility was handed to Dr. Singh. While people hoped for a strong, independent leader, his tenure was often overshadowed by allegations of him being a ‘puppet PM’.
In ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, it was revealed that Singh wanted to retain the Finance portfolio but was overruled by the party leadership, and it was assigned to P. Chidambaram.
Despite the constraints, Dr. Singh continued to focus on economic and social policies. Reflecting his stoicism, he once said outside Parliament, “My silence is better than a thousand answers; it shields the dignity of countless questions.”
4. Public Humiliation by Rahul Gandhi
One of the most shocking moments of Dr. Singh’s political career came in 2013, when his government proposed an ordinance to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified convicted lawmakers from contesting elections.
The ordinance, cleared by the Cabinet, was publicly ridiculed by Rahul Gandhi, who tore it up during a press conference, calling it “nonsense”.
This act not only undermined Dr. Singh’s authority as Prime Minister but also humiliated him on a national stage. Despite being hurt, he chose to prioritize the nation’s stability over personal pride and refrained from resigning.
The Burden of Being a ‘Puppet’
Throughout his decade-long tenure, Dr. Singh faced the label of being a ‘puppet’ PM. Many believed real power resided with Sonia Gandhi at 10 Janpath, as decisions often seemed dictated by the Congress high command.
Books like ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ highlighted how Dr. Singh was often sidelined in critical decisions. Despite these challenges, he led India through significant milestones, including the India-US nuclear deal and economic growth during global financial crises.
Congress’s Tribute Raises Questions
Today, the Congress Party hails Dr. Singh as a visionary leader. However, their glowing tributes ring hollow against the backdrop of how they treated him during his tenure. The very party that subjected him to repeated indignities now praises his legacy.
Sonia Gandhi’s statement calling his death a “personal loss” and her reminiscence of shared moments contrast sharply with the narrative of control and humiliation during his leadership.
Lessons from Dr. Singh’s Life
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and selflessness. His ability to rise above personal slights and focus on the greater good offers valuable lessons for leaders across the political spectrum.
“When we live by the principle of fraternity, we ensure that the values of justice, equality, and freedom endure for generations to come,” Justice Mishra recently remarked. Dr. Singh’s life embodies this principle.
As India mourns his loss, it’s essential to remember his contributions beyond the controversies. He was not just a political figure but also a statesman who transformed India’s economic landscape and showed immense dignity in the face of adversity.
A Legacy That Transcends Humiliation
Despite facing numerous challenges, Dr. Singh never wavered from his commitment to India’s progress. His tenure may have been fraught with difficulties, but his contributions to India’s economy and global standing remain unparalleled.
History will remember Dr. Manmohan Singh not for the humiliations he endured but for his resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
