Manmohan Singh live updates – Artifex.News https://artifex.news Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:59:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://artifex.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-Artifex-Round-32x32.png Manmohan Singh live updates – Artifex.News https://artifex.news 32 32 How Manmohan Singh Became “Accidental PM” After Shock UPA Victory In 2004 https://artifex.news/manmohan-singh-how-manmohan-singh-became-accidental-pm-after-shock-upa-victory-in-2004-7341407rand29/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:59:17 +0000 https://artifex.news/manmohan-singh-how-manmohan-singh-became-accidental-pm-after-shock-upa-victory-in-2004-7341407rand29/ Read More “How Manmohan Singh Became “Accidental PM” After Shock UPA Victory In 2004” »

]]>


New Delhi:

In his signature white kurta-pyjama and blue turban, Manmohan Singh, then 71, took the oath of office as India’s 14th Prime Minister on May 22, 2004. Members of Dr Singh’s family, political allies, and predecessors – including Atal Bihari Vajpayee – looked on as a quiet and reserved leader assumed the reins of power at a ceremony conducted by then-President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Until the 2004 election results were announced, it was widely assumed that the incumbent NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee would secure a second term. The BJP’s high-profile “India Shining” campaign dominated the airwaves. Political analysts and exit polls had overwhelmingly predicted a BJP-led victory. However, the Congress party, under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, spearheaded a comeback.

READ | “People Say I Was…”: When Manmohan Singh Defended “Silent PM” Charge

The Congress-led UPA coalition emerged victorious, securing enough support from regional allies to form the government. Sonia Gandhi, expected by many to assume the prime ministership, instead made a decision that surprised many: she stepped aside in favour of Manmohan Singh, citing her “inner voice”.

Sonia Gandhi’s Italian roots have been a contentious political issue since she entered active politics in 1998. In 2004, despite Congress’s electoral success, the issue resurfaced when BJP leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Uma Bharti reignited the controversy. Ms Swaraj even threatened dramatic protests, including shaving her head, should Mrs Gandhi become Prime Minister.

READ | Manmohan Singh’s Poetic Banter With Sushma Swaraj In Parliament

Sonia Gandhi also faced resistance internally. In his autobiography, One Life Is Not Enough, former External Affairs minister and Congress leader Natwar Singh recounted a tense moment at Mrs Gandhi’s residence, where Rahul Gandhi strongly urged his mother not to accept the position, citing his worries in light of the assassinations of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, and grandmother, Indira Gandhi.

Mrs Gandhi’s refusal to accept the top post paved the way for Manmohan Singh’s ascent. As a soft-spoken technocrat with no mass political base, Dr Singh was an unlikely choice. A career economist who had served as Finance Minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government during the 1991 economic liberalisation, Dr Singh had earned respect in policy circles but lacked the typical attributes of a political leader. His lone attempt to contest a Lok Sabha seat, from South Delhi in 1999, ended in defeat, and Dr Singh remained a Rajya Sabha member throughout his political career.

READ | “Greatest Champion”: World Leaders Pay Tributes To Ex-PM Manmohan Singh

Despite being termed the “Accidental Prime Minister,” Dr Singh’s decade-long tenure was marked by some great achievements. His government launched transformative programs like the Right to Information (RTI), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), and the Right to Education (RTE).

Dr Singh’s tenure, however, was not without controversies. In 2008, his government faced a confidence vote after the Left parties withdrew support over the Indo-US nuclear deal. Dr Singh staked his political capital on the agreement, arguing it was crucial for India’s energy security. His government survived the trust vote by a narrow margin.

The UPA lost power in 2014, with Narendra Modi’s BJP securing a landslide victory. Dr Singh exited public life with characteristic grace, stating, “I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.”




Source link

]]> India Mourns Ex-PM Manmohan Singh https://artifex.news/immense-loss-for-the-nation-india-mourns-ex-pm-manmohan-singh-7338573rand29/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:18:41 +0000 https://artifex.news/immense-loss-for-the-nation-india-mourns-ex-pm-manmohan-singh-7338573rand29/ Read More “India Mourns Ex-PM Manmohan Singh” »

]]>


New Delhi:

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions, AIIMS said.

The nation is mourning the loss of Mr Singh who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and played a key role in bringing transformative economic reforms in India as Finance Minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government. During his tenure, the historic Civil Nuclear Deal was signed with the US in 2008, marking a civil nuclear partnership with the US and access to critical technologies in strategic areas.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu said, “Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss of one of India’s “most distinguished leaders”. The Prime Minister posted a thread on X, and wrote,  Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.”

“His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief.”

Union Home Minister JP Nadda said, “The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation.” 

“His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building,” he added.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he “lost a mentor and guide”. “His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation,” Mr Gandhi said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who served as Railways Minister in ex-PM Manmohan Singh’s cabinet, said, “Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged. 

The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers,” she added.

Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, who was part of the Manmohan Singh-led cabinet said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered.”

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.”

Former Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Hooda, said, “I am saddened by the news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a great economist of the world, a pioneer of economic reforms in India and one who, through his work, took the country forward on the path of progress and gave it a distinct identity across the world.”

“His departure has caused an irreparable loss to the political world, which will be extremely difficult to compensate in the near future.”

Former Governor of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, Kalraj Mishra, said, “I pay my humble tribute to the demise of former Prime Minister of India Shri Manmohan Singh ji. I pray to God to give him a place in his feet and provide strength to the grief-stricken family in this hour of grief.”

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, said, “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister of the country Dr. Manmohan Singh tonight is extremely sad. He had a special contribution in improving India’s economy. He was a noble person.”

My deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones.”






Source link

]]>