As the nation mourns Dr Manmohan Singh, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh has recounted how the former Prime Minister restored his father and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s security cover after a Maoist attack in 2004.
“The year 2004 was a particularly difficult time for us. Our leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had recently recovered from an attempt on his life after a dangerous bomb blast by Naxals near Tirupati and the @jaiTDP party had just lost the 2004 elections,” Mr Lokesh said in a post on X.
The Congress, led by YS Rajasekhara Reddy, had swept the 2004 Andhra polls, removing the TDP from power. “At this crucial time, the new state government had moved to reduce security cover to Mr. @ncbn garu. This would’ve prevented him from being with the people and representing their issues,” Mr Lokesh said.
As India mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, I am reminded of his large-heartedness and graciousness towards our family.
The year 2004 was a particularly difficult time for us. Our leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had recently recovered from an attempt on… pic.twitter.com/1v44f8buNl
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) December 28, 2024
“At this time, Mr. @ncbn garu met the then-prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and personally requested him to restore security cover citing the recent attacks on his life and the heightened threat perception as was ascertained by security agencies,” he added.
Dr Singh told N Chandrababu Naidu that he was important to the nation and provided him NSG security cover despite resistance from the Congress government in the state, Mr Lokesh said.
“Regardless of the fact that we were from an opposition party, Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately said that Mr. @ncbn garu is important to the nation, and against the wishes of the then state government, gave instructions to restore full security (led by NSG commandos) to Mr. @ncbn garu. In fact, he specifically told Mr. @ncbn garu that by the time you go back to Hyderabad, NSG security cover will be ready for you,” he said.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh was a rare statesman, and as a family we owe him personally for his large heart. Fare well sir. You will be missed,” Mr Lokesh said.
Earlier, N Chandrababu Naidu said he was “deeply saddened” by Dr Singh’s death. “An intellectual statesman, Dr Singh embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity. From his economic reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister to his leadership as Prime Minister, he served the nation tirelessly and uplifted millions. His passing is a great loss to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers,” he said.
Mr Naidu also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at his Delhi home and met his family. “His remarkable legacy and service to the nation will always be remembered and continue to inspire generations,” he said.
The 92-year-old former Prime Minister died at AIIMS on Thursday night. Earlier that day, he was hospitalised after he lost consciousness at home. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS at 8.06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 PM,” the hospital said in a statement.
