New Delhi:

Weeks before leaving office as Prime Minister in 2014, Dr Manmohan Singh made a statement that would be repeated even after his death. “I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament,” he said, responding to NDTV’s Sunil Prabhu who asked Dr Singh about his perceived inability to rein in ministers and act decisively in certain situations.

This response, dismissed by some at the time as self-assurance amid mounting criticism, has gained resonance following his death last night at the age of 92

READ | How Manmohan Singh Became “Accidental PM” After Shock UPA Victory In 2004

Dr Singh died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. As condolences pour in from across party lines, his legacy as a silent architect of India’s economic reforms is being revisited.

“I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament,” Dr Manmohan Singh said in 2014. Just ten years later, he is already being proven right,” wrote Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. 

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

Similarly, BRS leader KT Rama Rao described Dr Singh as a “silent architect of modern India”.

“A silent architect of modern India, a visionary, a true intellectual, and a gracious human being! History will indeed be kinder and grateful to you. My heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ji. His legacy will continue to inspire many generations to come,” Mr Rao said. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, reflecting on Dr Singh’s impact on the liberalisation of India’s economy, said, “For someone like me, born in the 90s, the opening up of India to the world and vice versa was like growing up in a decade where each day was new. 

He credited Dr Singh with putting India on the global stage and recalled his dignified response to criticism during his tenure.

READ | “Epitome Of Simplicity”: PM Modi’s Video Tribute To Manmohan Singh

“He truly put our nation on a world stage. As he said about himself while taking on all the unfounded criticism, ‘history would be kinder’, we as Indians truly believe, that the present too will be kinder to his statesman-like legacy, as we all bid him a sorrowful goodbye,” Mr Thackeray said. 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid homage to Dr Singh’s enduring legacy, echoing his 2014 statement. “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” Mr Kharge posted on social media. 

Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPIML leader, recalled the allegations and criticisms that Dr Singh faced during his tenure. “He was grilled for scams that would never be proved, for his reticence that’d be held against him as a sign of weakness. But today India will perhaps agree to his 2014 remark: ‘history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media’,” Mr Bhattacharya stated.

Telangana Chief Minister  Revanth Reddy described Dr. Singh as “one of the greatest economists, leaders, reformers, and above all, a humanitarian of our times.” 

“He showed how decency and class are much needed aspects of political & public life. He is a legend in whose passing away, India has lost a great son. Truly, in his own words, history will treat him far more kindly, and respectfully, than his own times perhaps did. My prayers and deepest condolence for the bereaved family members.” Mr Reddy added. 

Dr Singh’s quiet demeanour often masked the monumental impact of his policies. As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, he spearheaded economic reforms that liberalised India’s economy, paving the way for rapid growth and global integration. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw significant achievements, including the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement and an ambitious expansion of social welfare programs.

 

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.”

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.”

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. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024

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.”

India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. 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… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024

“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.” 

The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden.…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) December 26, 2024

“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.

Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation.

My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family.

I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the… pic.twitter.com/bYT5o1ZN2R

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 26, 2024

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.”

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. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/0OmVanuiNa

— Salman Khurshid (@salman7khurshid) December 26, 2024

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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/BXA6zHG2Fq

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 26, 2024

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.”

भारत के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री श्री मनमोहन सिंह जी के निधन पर विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ।

ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि उन्हें अपने चरणों मे स्थान दें एवं इस दुख की घड़ी में शोक संतप्त परिजनों को संबल प्रदान करे।

ॐ शांति! pic.twitter.com/cisNbwjmC8

— कलराज मिश्र (Kalraj Mishra) (@KalrajMishra) December 26, 2024

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