In a poignant letter addressed to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his retirement from the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge encapsulated the profound impact of Singh’s illustrious career on Indian politics and governance.
Kharge commenced the letter by acknowledging Singh’s retirement as the “end of an era,” symbolizing the culmination of over three decades of dedicated service to the nation. He remarked that few individuals could claim to have served with as much dedication and devotion as Singh, underscoring his extraordinary contributions to India’s progress and development.
Highlighting Singh’s pivotal role as Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government from 1991 to 1996, Kharge lauded his instrumental efforts in steering the country through economic reforms that laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 further solidified his reputation as a statesman of unparalleled integrity and vision.
Reflecting on their professional association, Kharge expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving in Singh’s cabinet, describing him as a beacon of wisdom whose counsel was invaluable. Despite the demands of his high office, Singh remained accessible and committed to the welfare of the Congress party, earning the admiration and respect of his colleagues.
Kharge also acknowledged Singh’s role in championing inclusive policies, citing the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a testament to his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. The scheme, aimed at providing livelihood opportunities to rural households, was hailed as a landmark initiative that empowered millions of Indians and restored dignity to the rural poor.
In a poignant tribute to Singh’s global stature, Kharge quoted former US President Barack Obama, who remarked, “Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him.” This acknowledgment underscored Singh’s influence on the global stage and his role as a respected statesman whose words resonated far beyond India’s borders.
As Singh bids farewell to the Rajya Sabha, Kharge’s letter serves as a fitting tribute to a towering figure in Indian politics—a leader whose unwavering commitment to public service and principled leadership left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Singh’s retirement marks not only the close of a distinguished parliamentary career but also the end of an era characterized by integrity, humility, and a steadfast dedication to the ideals of democracy and inclusive growth.
