Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and India’s 13th Prime Minister, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday. It is important to reflect on his legacy with an objective lens, holding malice against none. While his economic expertise and contributions are widely celebrated, his tenure as Prime Minister was also marked by significant criticisms alongside his achievements.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s first term as Prime Minister (2004-2009) was characterized by relative stability, robust economic growth, and significant policy initiatives such as the Indo-US nuclear deal. In contrast, his second term (2009-2014) faced considerable challenges, including high-profile corruption scandals like the 2G spectrum scam and coal block allocation irregularities, which eroded public trust. Furthermore, his perceived deference to Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party’s leader, drew criticism for undermining both his personal authority and the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office. These factors collectively cast a shadow on his leadership, raising questions about accountability and governance.
One of the most controversial moments of his tenure was when Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, publicly tore apart an ordinance approved by Dr. Singh’s cabinet that sought to protect lawmakers facing criminal charges from disqualification. This act, perceived by many as an open undermining of his authority, epitomized the challenges he faced in asserting independence within the party hierarchy.
Dr. Singh’s entry into politics came under the mentorship of then-Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who appointed him as Finance Minister in 1991. Together, they spearheaded landmark economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy. While Dr. Singh implemented these reforms, the vision and political risk were largely borne by Rao. Over time, debates around the credit for these reforms have persisted, with many arguing that Rao’s role has been underappreciated.
Controversially, Dr. Singh later made statements that appeared to distance himself from Rao during crises like the Harshad Mehta scandal, invoking the analogy that Rao, akin to Caesar’s wife, was not above suspicion. Even after Rao’s death, Singh’s government faced criticism for denying him the honors traditionally accorded to former Prime Ministers, including space for a Samadhi in Delhi.
Also, Dr. Singh drew criticism when he suggested that India’s GDP might decline by more than two percent after the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some speculated that these remarks were influenced by external pressures. In contrast, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India’s GDP has consistently grown, outpacing several developed nations, including the US and China, and drawing global admiration.
Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister often drew criticism for being overshadowed by Sonia Gandhi, the UPA Chairperson, and other party leaders. Critics labeled him a “puppet” leader, with allegations of key decisions being influenced by the Congress high command. These assertions gained traction following the publication of The Accidental Prime Minister, a book by his former media advisor, Sanjaya Baru, which depicted him as deferential to Sonia Gandhi.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah (now in Pakistan), Dr. Manmohan Singh’s academic brilliance earned him a doctorate in economics from Oxford University. His early career was marked by roles that significantly shaped India’s economic policies. As Finance Minister under the leadership of P.V. Narasimha Rao, his economic reforms transformed India’s landscape, earning him widespread respect and recognition.
Despite the controversies surrounding his tenure as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh maintained a stoic demeanor, famously stating, “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.” His legacy is a complex blend of groundbreaking economic reforms, political challenges, and debates over leadership dynamics. While his life story highlights intellectual rigor and dedication to public service, it also raises questions about personal ambition. Dr. Singh leaves an indelible mark on India’s history, inviting both admiration and critical reflection on the complexities of his time in office.
