Dr Manmohan Singh Was Right: Here's Why History Will Remember Him Kindly

Last Updated:December 26, 2024, 22:40 IST

The one image that remains etched in memory is when he came in a wheelchair to vote in the presidential polls of 2022. Frail but determined. A man who, in the end, had his way

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. (File image/PTI)

At his last press conference before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Dr Manmohan Singh said, “History will be kinder to me than the media has been." This was when he demitted office amid massive scandals and allegations against him, and some personal attacks as well.

Indeed, he leaves behind many memories, achievements, and a rich legacy. Dr Manmohan Singh was India’s 14th Prime Minister, from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014. Beginning his career as an educationist, he joined the economic adviser’s position in the commerce ministry in 1971, and after that, there was no looking back. He held important positions like chief economic adviser, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, and RBI governor.

As finance minister from 1991 to 1996, Dr Singh led many economic and liberalisation programmes for the country. When he took charge as finance minister, the country was reeling under fiscal deficit, balance of payment deficit, as well as falling foreign exchange reserves. But he insisted on many reforms, like privatisation of public sector undertakings, opening up of the skies, and easing export-import rules. He ensured more disposable income in the hands of the middle class so that they could spend more. Ease of doing business was his mantra, and slowly India emerged out of the fiscal crisis and deficit.

Armed with these credentials, he became Sonia Gandhi’s safe bet and choice as the PM in 2004. Modest yet firm, Dr Singh managed to have his way in geopolitics. Widely respected by global leaders, one remembers how former US President Barack Obama effusively praised Dr Singh when he left office as PM of India in 2014. “It has been a great pleasure to serve with you," he said. “There are very few people in public life that I have admired or appreciated more."

Dr Singh was in many ways “a reluctant PM". When Sonia Gandhi made up her mind not to become the Prime Minister, she needed someone who had the gravitas and credentials. Dr Singh was chosen despite there being many other claimants. The economist-politician did display some reluctance, but he was not a pushover. For instance, when he was committed to passing the Indo-US nuclear deal, he was prepared to put his government at stake. Sonia Gandhi saw this determination in him and backed him completely.

But those close to him also saw his pain when he faced embarrassment as Rahul Gandhi publicly castigated the UPA government for issuing an ordinance to negate a Supreme Court order on disqualifying convicted MPs and MLAs, terming it “complete nonsense" that should be “torn and thrown out". At the time, Dr Singh was in America on an official visit. He also had to swallow his pride when the DMK threatened to walk out of UPA 2 if some of its leaders, like TR Baalu, were not made ministers.

But despite the lack of complete backing from his cabinet and some troubles from the Congress, Dr Singh held his head high. His visits abroad grabbed attention, and he was widely respected. Under him, many flagship programmes saw realisation, like MGNREGA, the Food Security Bill, and Aadhaar.

In February 2014, he walked into the sunset with a decision to end his political career. That was the last time he was seen in the Rajya Sabha. But the one image that remains etched in memory is when he came in a wheelchair to vote in the presidential polls of 2022. Frail but determined. A man who, in the end, had his way. And, like he said, history will remember him kindly.

News politics Dr Manmohan Singh Was Right: Here's Why History Will Remember Him Kindly