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MMS’ legacy of simplicity has a lesson or two for present day politicians

January 8, 2025, 3:41 am

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise left us all speechless and gave a feeling of emptiness all around . Memories of my relationship with him rushed through my mind. Way back when I was MLA, his nephew was seriously injured in a train accident near Aligarh in 2003 ,and thereafter he was admitted in JNMC Medical College, AMU. Subsequently I got a call from Dr Singh’s office asking to render all possible help to his kin. I did my best along with my associates, for his requisite needs and as luck would have it, his life was saved. Soon after I recieved a call from Dr Saheb called in which he endearingly expressed his gratitude and asked me to visit him whenever I happen to be in Delhi. Soon after, on my first visit to Delhi I met him and then those meetings became frequent in course of time.

When we run down through Dr Manmohan Singhs public life and examine his achievements as Finance Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister we find they were manifold and were not only innovative but also reflected sensitivity towards the social environment of the nation and ensured the upliftment of the downtrodden through schemes like “MNREGA” His initiative of “Direct Transfer scheme” touched the life of the person at the last rung of the ladder and at the same time made a dent on prevailing corruption. He gave a distinct flavour with his humility , “to politics of power “unlike what we are witnessing in the realm of present day politics. Assessment of his personality can be gauged from the opinion which is emerging subsequent to his death from eminent people, from all walks of life. Sum total of these, uniformly appear to be very positive . Be it is his political opponents or contemporary world leaders of the time they all in unison unanimously project him not only as an ideal leader but a leader of consensual politics. His humanitarian approach and sensitivity is articulated in the condolence message of the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mohammad Ibrahim who fondly recapitulates that during Dr Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, when he was in prison in Malaysia, Dr. Saheb magnanimously proposed scholarship for his children. Honorable Mohammad Ibrahim addressed the deceased personality as his brother and friend whose demise has left an emotional void for him on the other hand a journalist of repute refers him as “Shant Singham” portraying his calm demeanor combined with grit and resolve.
In their condolence messages, present day leaders of the country’s ruling party, who had earlier fired salvos of diatribe at him during the general elections of 2014 and later, whether it be todays Prime Minister, the President or the Defence Minister everyone has unanimously accepted his contribution to nation building. This tribute from their side would have been more meaningful ,had it contained, few words of remorse to their earlier utterances like calling him “Maun Maun Singh’ and ‘Accidental PM”. To his credit Dr Manmohan Singh had borne all this with equanimity and without rancor.

Allegations in 2 G scam were part of a Machiavellian strategy by contemporary politics to tarnish his image but later Supreme Court’s acquittal held him in good stead. His commitment to democracy was so strong that he regularly conducted press conferences and thereby providing transparency to the system unlike our present day prime minister who shuns them like plague. Recall the bold move taken by Dr. Saheb against all odds in 2007 keeping national interest foremost despite opposition from major allies ,and thereby endangering his govt, to sign nuclear treaty with America. As a result bringing to an end India’s Nuclear boycott from the elite,” comity of nations”. As a sequel,India could become a member of the Nuclear Club. All this later became the foundation stone for cementing of relations with America and this fact today is corroborated by the condolence message of the current U.S President Joe Biden.

If we go back to his journey as finance minister of the country in 1991, when economic crisis was looming large over the nation he with his understanding of economics navigated the country’s economic ship ashore, pursuing the policy of liberalization which turned the tide for better .Since then the country is surging ahead and as a result today we have emerged to be the fifth economic power of the world and this is even affirmed in the condolence statement of U.N Chief Antonio Guterres.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, when entire world was in the grip of economic recession in 2008 India achieved a record growth of 8.1% as a corollary resulted in the extrication of 25 crore countrymen from poverty line. During the above mentioned period of recession, world leaders sought his advice how to deal with their then grim financial crises.
His simplicity and humility earned admiration of his contemporaries and small example would illustrate while holding the charge as chairman UGC, he would go to his office on a bicycle. In the present day scenario it would be difficult to find another example of this kind. Further he never tried to gain people’s sympathy, by wearing his poor family background on his sleeves nor did he try to impress people with his Cambridge and Oxford education. His simplicity has been confirmed by his then security officer and currently minister in the UP government, how he liked his Maruti 800 more than his BMW. In other words he tried to carry forward Mahatma Gandhi’s & Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy of simplicity and has a lesson or two for present day politicians.

Author is a former Congress MLA from Uttar Pradesh

‘Zamana kar na saka qad ka andaza…’, ‘Woh aasmaan tha, magar sar jhuka kar chalta tha..!’

January 4, 2025, 3:27 am

We meet countless people in life, work with them and forge deep connections with some of them. But there are a few people who can impress you. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was one such towering personality for me: captivating, just as his name suggests! His passing away marks the end of an era in history. Some called him the ‘accidental Prime Minister’ but his role in preparing the strong economic footing on which the country stands today is etched in history and there is no doubt that the future will always remember him for this remarkable achievement.

During his highly successful tenure, I served as a member of the Rajya Sabha and was fortunate enough to have close interactions with him. I observed his working style up close. He would never brag about. He did not explain or announce his actions to people. He worked quietly and moved forward. His voice was soft but his thoughts were profound. In 1991, when India was grappling with a severe financial crisis, the then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao decided to appoint him as finance minister. Together, they charted India’s economic roadmap. Before that, the country was trudging along the path of socialism. They opened up the economy to the world, and the account of India’s progress after that are before all to see. If India stands as the world’s fifth largest economy today, the seeds of this growth were sown during Narasimha Rao’s tenure by Dr Manmohan Singh.

Recognising his abilities, Sonia Gandhi elevated him to the position of Prime Minister. Dr Manmohan Singh lived up to the expectation fully, but ironically, most of his troubles stemmed from a new faction within the Congress party itself. When he was on an official visit to the United States, Rahul Gandhi publicly tore an ordinance. When Dr Manmohan Singh returned, I wondered during a conversation, “I thought you would go straight to Rashtrapati Bhavan and resign.” He replied, “That thought crossed my mind twice. I discussed this serious matter with Gursharan (his wife). But then I wondered, would it be appropriate? Sonia Gandhi would be hurt, so I decided to stay.” The reality was that towards the end of his tenure, a new faction in the Congress party had begun wielding undue influence, making it difficult for him to function. He even contemplated resigning. He suggested to Sonia Gandhi that Rahul Gandhi should be made the Prime Minister, but Rahul was not ready. Rahul was unwilling to join the Cabinet too.

Dr Manmohan Singh had foreseen Congress’ decline following the internal bickering the party was witnessing at the time and knew it would not return to power in 2014. Still, he hoped the party would secure at least 100 seats. When I said it might be fewer, he agreed, saying, “That may happen.” What set Dr Manmohan Singh apart was his unwavering commitment to placing the party above himself.

As brilliant as he was, he was an equally remarkable human being. One could gauge his humility from the fact that every time I visited his residence, after a warm reception, he would personally escort me back to the gate. Indian culture was deeply rooted in his heart. He thoroughly enjoyed celebrating festivals like Lohri with traditional bhangra. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and his family would often join in the festivities. I vividly recall an occasion in 2008 when, on the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa Panth, the ‘Guru-ta-Gaddi Tercentenary Festival’ was to be organised at Gurdwara Nanded Sahib. Dr Manmohan Singh personally invited me to discuss the arrangements as he wanted the event to be grand. Since both he and the then deputy chairman of the (erstwhile) Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, like some other top officials, were from the Sikh community, I wrote a letter demanding maximum funds for the event.

In response, the government allocated an initial amount of Rs 500 crore. The then home minister Shivraj Patil was appointed chairman of the organising committee. To avoid local factionalism, former police commissioner of Mumbai Dr P S Pasricha was made in-charge of the local committee. At the time, there was a land issue delaying the extension of the runway. I approached the then civil aviation minister Praful Patel, and not only was the runway extended, but a new one was also built to accommodate international flights. Another instance highlights his diplomatic skills. While the Indian government was making efforts to procure nuclear energy reactors, Dr Manmohan Singh leveraged his warm relationship with American businessman Sant Singh Chatwal. Chatwal, who deeply loved India and had close ties with the US President, helped ensure a favourable outcome for India.

I share these anecdotes to give you an insight into the social and amiable nature of Dr Manmohan Singh. I can confidently say that he was a man of impeccable character and extraordinary integrity. Yet, at one point, he faced the threat of an imminent arrest, a situation that deeply troubled him. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a clear stand, asserting that such actions against a former Prime Minister would set a dangerous precedent, and no Prime Minister will ever take any strong decision in future. To conclude my reflections on Dr Manmohan Singh, I would like to say…

Zamana kar na saka
uske qad ka andaza..,
Woh aasmaan tha, magar
sar jhuka kar chalta tha..!

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser pays tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh, recalls how he made Indian economy a global giant

December 31, 2024, 1:45 pm

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid a rich tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who died last week at the age of 92 and recalled his role in making Indian economy a global giant. Professor Yunus visited the Indian High Commission in Dhaka here and placed a floral wreath at the portrait of the late Indian Prime Minister.

He also wrote a condolence message in the condolence book opened at the High Commission.India is obeserving a seven-day mourning for the late Prime Minister of the country. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma received the Chief Adviser at the High Commission at Baridhara at 11:30 am. Professor Yunus spoke briefly with the High Commissioner and shared his memories with his long-time friend Manmohan Singh.

“How simple he was! how wise he was!” he said, recalling his friendship with the late Indian Premier. He also said that Dr Singh played a big role in turning India into a global economic giant. Dr Singh breathed his last at AIIMS on December 26. He was admitted to hospital for age related issue. Several renowned world leaders have already paid their rich tributes to the former Prime Minister.

Singh is known for bringing several reforms and opening Indian economy to the world in 1991 as Finance Minister under PV Narsimha Rao-led Congress government. He ended license Raj and also brought the LPG — liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation — reforms in 1991. During his two term as the Prime Minister in the UPA 1 and 2 governments, Singh introduced MGNTEGA, Right to Information Act, US Nuclear deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act among others.

Manmohan Singh, the designated survivor of Congress politics

December 28, 2024, 3:03 am

Dr Manmohan Singh would go down in history as a great visionary and the architect of Liberalization, who besides being a distinguished academic was also a pragmatic leader familiar with the circumstances of his times. There are a number of accounts which would put him on top as an economist and a reformer and some would rate his navigation of the Indo-US nuclear treaty as one of the highlights of his glorious innings. However, he was a designated survivor, who managed to retain his position and cool despite the most diabolic political maneuvers by some of his erstwhile colleagues. He was a humble man who empathized with the ground level reality and his story is about a person who had very modest beginnings before being pushed to a fame which made him a household name both in India and abroad. There are many untold stories concerning him and it would be worthwhile to recall some of them. The general belief is that he was picked up by Sonia Gandhi to be the Prime Minister in 2004 after she decided to withdraw herself from the race on account of multiple reasons, the security concerns of her children, being one of them. The fact is that when the Atal Behari Vajpayee government was toppled by one vote on the floor of the House in 1999, and Sonia was shown on the TV screens stating “that we have the numbers, 272’’ to form the government following her visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan, she had recommended his name for the Prime Minister’s post to President KR Narayanan. It was a closely guarded secret. Madhav Rao Scindia, who was considered close to the then Congress president had figured that he would be the obvious choice and when he somehow learnt that it was Manmohan Singh, who was the preferred choice, he was very upset. He summoned his close friend Amar Singh and asked him to convince Mulayam Singh Yadav, to withdraw the Samajwadi Party from the proposed alliance. Rest is history and the Congress was unable to lead the formation of an alternative government leading to elections which brought back Vajpayee. What transpired during the elections which followed in 1999 had also a story which is not there in public domain. Manmohan Singh was granted the nomination from South Delhi and it was a foregone conclusion that he would win by defeating Vijay Kumar Malhotra of the BJP. However, certain Congress leaders in order to prevent him from entering the Lok Sabha, ensured that he was defeated. While covering the polls, I had predicted that Manmohan Singh would lose, though no one believed me including my colleagues in the Hindustan Times, since I could see the sabotage of his election by Congressmen themselves. Sonia Gandhi who was aware of what was happening was unforgiving and was determined to deal with the saboteurs.
In 2004, after she declined the post, there were multiple aspirants including Pranab Mukherjee, Arjun Singh, ND Tewari and P. Chidambaram. However, Sonia Gandhi had made up her mind and was not bothered about what others in the party thought of the decision. She first released a letter declining the position and then opted for Dr Manmohan Singh. The letter was drafted by my former Editor Vir Sanghvi who was on a vacation to either Thailand or Singapore and was contacted by me after receiving a call from Ten Janpath. First Madhavan and later Ambika Soni called me to trace Vir and get the draft, which finally arrived and was sent to a specific email at 10 Janpath from Vir’s office. Sonia had wanted Singh to be elected as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party but on the insistence of Makhan Lal Fotedar, she first allowed herself to be chosen, and after being empowered by the CPP, nominated Manmohan Singh for the post. Several attempts by Congressmen to dislodge Manmohan Singh did not succeed and the closest was when in 2006 during the Congress Chief Minister’s conclave in Nainital, a move was initiated to make Pranab Mukherjee as the deputy PM. Ms Gandhi’s political adviser Ahmed Patel was privy to this and the plan would have been silently executed. However, at the press conference which marked the culmination of the conclave, I had asked Manmohan Singh whether he was in the process of appointing a deputy PM.

Before he could answer, Sonia Gandhi sitting next to him, took the mike and categorically stated that this was never going to happen, thus putting to rest all speculation over the matter. Manmohan Singh survived and also ensured that his government did not fall when there was voting on the Indo-US nuclear treaty. During the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, LK Advani, the BJP prime ministerial face, ridiculed Manmohan Singh by describing him as the “Nikamma PM’’ (useless PM). This boomeranged on the Saffron Brigade and the middle classes, which held Singh in high esteem, voted for the Congress instead of the BJP. This resulted in the Congress winning in most Urban areas including Mumbai and Delhi. The tally went up from 145 in 2004 to 205 in 2009, an increase of 60 seats. Sycophants tried to give the credit for the Congress performance to Rahul Gandhi but the reality was that this was due to Dr Manmohan Singh. Political intrigue had already commenced in the Congress and an effort was on to dislodge him from his chair. The 2G scam and the controversial report of the then CAG, Vinod Rai, followed. And it was evident that a section of the party wanted to force Singh to quit so a new PM could take over. Fortunately, these designs never succeeded and instead unfortunately for his rivals, the entire game resulted in the Congress losing power at the Centre. In people’s perception, the Congress was seen as corrupt but not Manmohan Singh, who politically managed to personally survive.

A Personal Tribute to the Gentle Giant of Indian Politics

December 28, 2024, 2:59 am

Today, I find myself compelled to pen these words, not just as an acknowledgment of loss but as a testament to a life lived with grace, conviction, and purpose. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing leaves a void that transcends political affiliations, touching all who had the privilege to know him, learn from him, or simply observe his journey.
I reflect on my own association with him, spanning decades. As a mentor and senior colleague, he embodied the ideals we so often seek in public life but rarely find—dignity, intellect, and unwavering humility. Dr. Singh was not just a man of ideas; he was a man of action, quietly shaping the course of our nation’s destiny, often under immense pressure and scrutiny.

Dr. Singh’s unique ability to navigate complexities with simplicity remains etched in my memory. I recall a parliamentary session during which I approached him, grappling with a seemingly intractable financial matter. In his characteristically calm manner, he listened, processed, and responded with clarity that transformed my understanding. Such moments defined him—not merely a repository of knowledge but an enabler of solutions, always accessible, always generous with his wisdom.

There are personal moments, too, that stand out—occasions when his humanity eclipsed even his formidable intellect. At the weddings of my children, his early arrival and warm blessings reflected a humility and graciousness rare among leaders. He engaged not as a statesman but as a cherished family friend, reminding us all of the values that truly define greatness.

What makes Dr. Singh’s legacy extraordinary is his quiet endurance. In an era where struggles are often amplified for public sympathy, he wore his scars with silence and strength. Born in the upheaval of Partition and shaped by early personal losses, he chose not to lean on these adversities as a crutch but to rise above them, letting his work do the talking.

His statesmanship is well-documented—ushering in economic reforms that forever changed the trajectory of India’s growth. Yet, it is the intangible qualities of his leadership that will endure in memory: his respect for dialogue, his willingness to admit fallibility, and his steadfast belief in the power of collective wisdom.
To the children he patiently encouraged or the citizens he served with quiet resolve, Dr. Singh was more than a leader—he was an inspiration. His life reminds us that true strength lies not in volume but in depth, not in spectacle but in substance.

As we reflect on his monumental contributions, let us also imbibe the values that he stood for. Dr. Singh’s legacy calls upon us to elevate our public discourse, to prioritize the nation above self, and to lead with integrity and compassion.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the scholar-statesman, the compassionate mentor, the steadfast reformer—your light will guide us in the times ahead. Rest in peace, Sir. You have not merely lived; you have inspired.
Vivek Tankha is a Senior Advocate and Parliamentarian.

Manmohan Singh’s Iconic Blue Turban: A Cambridge Tribute

December 27, 2024, 12:00 pm

Manmohan Singh, known as the architect of modern India’s economy, often wore a blue turban. Many wondered about his choice of color. In 2006, Singh explained its significance during a speech at Cambridge University. The former Prime Minister, who passed away on Thursday night at 92, said his blue turban honored his alma mater.

The Reason Behind the Blue Turban

Singh revealed the story while accepting an honorary Doctorate of Law. He said, “Blue is one of my favourites and is often seen on my head.” He added that the light blue shade reminded him of his days at Cambridge. His peers at the university had even nicknamed him “blue turban.”

At the event, Prince Philip noticed Manmohan Singh’s turban and remarked, “Look at the colour of his turban.” The audience responded with applause. Singh used this moment to share his deep connection to the color, making it a part of his identity.

Cambridge’s Lasting Influence

Singh credited Cambridge for shaping his values and intellect. He mentioned influential economists like Nicholas Kaldor, Joan Robinson, and Amartya Sen, who inspired him during his studies. He praised the university for instilling open-mindedness, courage, and curiosity.

As he ended his speech, the audience gave him a standing ovation. Singh acknowledged the love and recognition from his university with gratitude.

Honoring a Visionary Leader

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi after a sudden health emergency. His body will be kept at the AICC headquarters for public viewing.

Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He led the country through significant economic reforms, driving growth and reducing poverty. His visionary leadership and contributions to India’s progress will always be remembered.

Indian Team Wears Black Armbands to Honor Dr. Manmohan Singh

December 27, 2024, 9:20 am

The Indian cricket team wore black armbands to honor former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG. The BCCI announced this in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Dr. Manmohan Singh tragically passed away in Delhi on Thursday.

Dr. Singh’s Passing

Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away due to age-related medical conditions. He suddenly lost consciousness at home and was rushed to AIIMS. Despite all efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM on December 26, 2024.

Tributes from Cricketers

In the wake of his passing, several former cricketers took to social media to pay their respects. Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Gautam Gambhir, and VVS Laxman praised Dr. Singh for his leadership and contributions. Furthermore, other cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan also expressed their heartfelt condolences.

The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nXVUHSaqel

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2024

Dr. Singh’s Legacy

Dr. Singh served as the Prime Minister of India for two terms, from 2004 to 2014. He assumed office after Congress won the 2004 elections. Later, he served a second term from 2009 to 2014, before being succeeded by Narendra Modi. Earlier this year, Dr. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha after 33 years of dedicated service.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Hospitalized at AIIMS

December 26, 2024, 9:22 pm

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was on Thursday evening admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) emergency ward at around 8 pm in Delhi. The doctors’ reasons for admitting him remain unknown, but according to officials, he has indeed been treated at one of the country’s premier medical establishments.

Dr. Singh had a long political career when he was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He entered the Rajya Sabha in 1991, after being appointed as Finance Minister in the government of then-Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Singh, India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, represented Assam in the Upper House for five terms before shifting to Rajasthan in 2019. Earlier this year, he retired from the Rajya Sabha, ending his long political journey in the Upper House.

Singh’s leadership and his economic reforms are most admired for taking India through heavy economic transitions. His policies in the 1990s gave a crucial turn to India’s liberalization. Also, he is widely reported for his cool-headed practical approach to governance.

It is a developing story. Updates are awaited on the health of Dr. Singh and additional medical details.

Congress Hails Manmohan Singh on 33rd Anniversary of 1991 Reforms for ‘Rescuing Economy from Bankruptcy

July 24, 2024, 12:25 pm

Amidst a looming international debt crisis exacerbated by a volatile political climate and tensions in the Gulf region, India faced a precarious situation in 1991, with foreign exchange reserves only sufficient to cover imports for just two weeks. In response, the country embarked on significant economic reforms, known as the liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) of the Indian economy.

The announcement, “I rise to present the budget for 1991-92,” echoed in our minds the day after the Union Budget 2024 was presented in Parliament. The 1991 budget, dedicated to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, marked a pivotal shift towards a market-driven economy and set the stage for rapid economic expansion in the years that followed.

Thirty-three years later, the Congress party acknowledged the contributions of then-Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, who crafted the landmark Budget. In a post on X, Congress stated, “Today, on the anniversary of the 1991 Economic Reforms, we thank Dr. Manmohan Singh for its formulation under the leadership of P. V. Narsimha Rao. The Reforms, a boon for the Indian economy, rescued it from bankruptcy and economic collapse and set it on a path of monumental growth.”

Today, on the anniversary of 1991 Economic Reforms, we thank Dr. Manmohan Singh for its formulation under the leadership of P. V. Narsimha Rao.

The Reforms, a boon for the Indian economy, rescued it from bankruptcy & economic collapse and set it on a path of monumental growth. pic.twitter.com/GUiuHgaXKf

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 24, 2024

Kharge emphasized the current need for substantial, second-generation reforms to benefit both the middle class and the underprivileged, underscoring the continuing relevance of such transformative changes. He tweetd on X

July 1991 marked a watershed moment in India's history, as the Liberalisation Budget, spearheaded by then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, ushered in a new era of economic reforms.

This visionary move revolutionised the country,… pic.twitter.com/Yd3xC73PO5

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 24, 2024

This recognition followed the presentation of the Union Budget for 2024-25 by the BJP-led NDA government, which the opposition has dubbed the “Kursi Bachao Budget.” Critics pointed to the financial packages for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh as “hollow promises” aimed at appeasing allies at the expense of other states.

In his Budget speech, Manmohan Singh concluded with Victor Hugo’s famous words, “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” His tenure was marked by significant economic transformations, including the privatization of public sector enterprises, the liberalization of airspace, and the stimulation of new industries. These reforms significantly increased disposable incomes for the middle class and fueled consumerism.

Under Singh’s leadership, regulations on exports and imports were relaxed, fostering a favorable business environment and a surge in entrepreneurship. The establishment of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1992 highlighted his tenure, which was instrumental in guiding India out of financial turmoil, rejuvenating the economy, and steering it towards substantial growth.

Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Centre: Claims Middle Class Shoulders Heavier Tax Burden Than Corporates

July 14, 2024, 4:57 pm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the BJP-led central government over tax collection data on Sunday, saying more taxes are being paid by people than companies, while “the middle class is paying disproportionately high taxes” and Rs 2 lakh crore has been transferred to the “pockets of billionaires” in the name of corporate tax cuts.

Ramesh informed that Income tax collection from April 1 to July 1, 2024, stood at Rs 3.61 lakh crore, while gross corporate tax collections were Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Speaking on the social media platform X, he said, “As we move into the Budget on July 23rd, just released data available now tells us that gross personal income tax collections were Rs 3.61 lakh crores during April 1-July 1 2024, while gross corporate tax collections were Rs 2.65 lakh crores. This reconfirms and re-establishes conclusively a point which we had been making for quite some time now—’, ‘-that people are paying much more taxes than corporations.”

The Congress general secretary also highlighted how during the Manmohan Singh era, the share of personal income tax in the overall collection of taxes was 21% due to income under his regime, which had risen by 7 percentage points to 28%. At the same time, corporate tax, he said, had fallen from 35% to 26%. He also attacked the reduction in corporate tax rate in 2019, stating that it hadn’t brought about the expected private investment and instead, private investment has fallen from 35% under UPA rule to less than 29% now.

“When Dr Manmohan Singh demitted office, personal income tax formed 21% of total tax collections and corporate tax 35%. Today, the share of corporate taxes out of total tax collection has dropped sharply to its lowest level in a decade at just 26%. While the share of personal income tax in total tax collection has shot up to 28%,” Ramesh said. He said, “Corporate tax rates were slashed on 20 Sept 2019 in the hope of inducing a boom in pvt investment. But that has NOT happened. Instead, pvt investment has collapsed from a peak of 35% of GDP under Dr. Manmohan Singh to below 29% during 2014-24. The corporate tax cut has put over Rs.2 lakh crore into the pockets of billionaires, but the middle class continues to bear heavy taxation.”

Watch: India’s Longest Serving Prime Ministers Since Independence

June 5, 2024, 6:11 pm

With the NDA securing 293 seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for a historic third term, joining the ranks of India’s longest-serving prime ministers. Modi is now one of the few leaders to serve over a decade.

Here’s a closer look at India’s longest tenures in office:

Jawaharlal Nehru

Party: Congress
Tenure: 1947-1964
Duration: 16 years, 286 days Nehru, India’s first prime minister, led the nation from independence until his death. He initiated major developmental projects and maintained a non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War, shaping India’s secular and socialist path.

Indira Gandhi

Party: Congress
Tenure: 1966-1977, 1980-1984
Duration: 15 years, 350 days India’s first female PM, Indira Gandhi, made bold and often divisive decisions, including the Green Revolution, Emergency, and nationalization of banks. Her leadership during the 1971 war led to the creation of Bangladesh. Her tenure ended tragically with her assassination in 1984.

Narendra Modi

Party: BJP
Tenure: 2014-Present
Duration: 10 years, 19 days (and counting) Modi has implemented ambitious projects like digitalization and economic reforms. His leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on national pride and Hindu nationalism. Despite needing alliance support, his recent victory marks a rare third term.

Manmohan Singh

Party: Congress
Tenure: 2004-2014
Duration: 10 years, four days A renowned economist, Singh is credited with significant economic reforms and infrastructure development. His cool-headed leadership style, though later criticized for policy stagnation, left a lasting impact on India’s growth.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Party: BJP
Tenure: 1996, 1998-2004
Duration: Six years, 80 days Vajpayee’s tenure is noted for the Pokharan nuclear tests and major infrastructure projects like the Golden Quadrilateral. His balanced approach combined social initiatives with economic success, and he worked towards improving relations with Pakistan.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 The recent election, held amid intense heat, saw over 66% voter turnout. Despite pre-poll predictions, the BJP-led NDA required alliance support to secure a majority. Modi’s victory speech emphasized continued commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people. His third term will rely on strong alliances with leaders like N. Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar.

As Modi prepares for another term, his leadership style and policies will continue to shape India’s political and economic landscape, cementing his place among India’s longest-serving and most influential prime ministers.

Protecting The Nation’s Integrity In The 7th Phase: Dr. Manmohan Singh Critical Plea

May 30, 2024, 4:18 pm

In a heartfelt letter addressed to Punjab voters ahead of the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has made a poignant appeal, urging citizens to safeguard democracy and the Constitution from what he describes as repeated assaults by the current regime.

Critique of BJP’s Economic Policies: Unimaginable Turmoil

Singh lamented the economic upheaval witnessed over the past decade under the two terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. He criticized policies such as demonetization, the flawed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes have led to a decline in GDP growth and widened socioeconomic disparities.

Comparison of GDP Growth: BJP vs. UPA Performance

Singh drew attention to the disparity in GDP growth rates between the BJP government and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He highlighted that while GDP growth averaged around eight percent during the UPA tenure, it has plummeted to below six percent under the BJP government.

Concerns Over Unemployment and Inflation: Widening Inequality

Expressing concern over unprecedented levels of unemployment and inflation, Singh stressed the need for urgent policy interventions to address these challenges. He cited data indicating a significant decline in household savings and underscored the detrimental impact on socioeconomic equality.

Farmers’ Protests and Agniveer Scheme: Government Critique

Singh criticized the government’s handling of the farmers’ protests and denounced the Agniveer military recruitment scheme as ill-conceived. He accused the BJP of undermining farmers’ livelihoods and questioned its commitment to addressing agrarian issues.

Appeal for Democratic Values: Upholding Punjab’s Legacy

The former Prime Minister invoked Punjab’s historical legacy of sacrifice and resilience, calling on voters to protect the nation’s democratic fabric. He urged citizens to uphold the values of inclusiveness, harmony, and brotherhood, emphasizing the pivotal role of Punjab in shaping India’s democratic ethos.

Criticism of PM Modi’s Rhetoric: Dignity of Public Discourse

Singh criticized Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric, accusing him of lowering the standards of public discourse. He condemned the use of divisive language and urged voters to reject such tactics in favor of unity and integrity.

Rejecting Divisive Forces

Dr. Manmohan Singh letter serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting the nation’s constitutional principles. His impassioned plea underscores the need for unity and integrity in the face of growing polarization and discord.

As Punjab prepares to cast its votes in the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s appeal resonates as a call to action for citizens to stand firm in defense of democracy. His unwavering commitment to upholding India’s democratic ethos serves as a beacon of hope amidst turbulent times.