Opinion | The Quiet Leader: Four Things Congress Overlooked About Manmohan Singh

Last Updated:December 30, 2024, 18:35 IST

Despite steering India through some of its most challenging economic and political periods, Singh often found himself overshadowed and undervalued by his own party, the Congress

A statesman of unmatched intellect and integrity, Dr Singh served as the unlikely face of reforms that catapulted India into the global economy in 1991. (File photo/Instagram)

Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic liberalisation and the nation’s 13th Prime Minister, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of quiet resilience, transformative policies, and unacknowledged contributions. Despite steering India through some of its most challenging economic and political periods, Singh often found himself overshadowed and undervalued by his own party, the Indian National Congress.

A statesman of unmatched intellect and integrity, Singh served as the unlikely face of reforms that catapulted India into the global economy in 1991. Yet, his tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by an evident sidelining within his party, as the Congress high command continued to prioritise dynastic politics over his leadership. Singh, the man who stabilised India’s economy and brought credibility to governance, was frequently undermined by the shadow of the Gandhi family and the perception of his leadership being dictated by 10 Janpath.

Even after leaving office, Singh’s contributions were rarely celebrated by the Congress, which seemed eager to move past his era to reclaim its lost narrative. His declining health in later years coincided with the party’s waning relevance, symbolising a tragic sidelining of one of its most dedicated torchbearers. Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing is a poignant reminder of a political career marked by brilliance, grace, and an unfortunate lack of recognition from those he served most loyally.

His Role As The Architect Of Economic Reforms

Manmohan Singh’s pivotal role in transforming India’s economy during the 1991 crisis is often overshadowed by the political narrative. As finance minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, Singh introduced ground-breaking reforms that liberalised the economy, devalued the rupee, reduced import tariffs, and encouraged private sector growth. These measures set India on a path of sustained economic development, yet the Congress rarely highlighted his contributions as the architect of these reforms.

In 1991, India faced a severe balance of payments crisis, with foreign exchange reserves sufficient for just two weeks of essential imports. The economic situation was dire, compounded by soaring inflation and global reluctance to extend financial aid. Singh’s landmark Union Budget on July 24, 1991, dismantled decades of economic overregulation, introducing liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation. His budget speech, which remains one of the most crucial moments in India’s economic history, emphasised the need for fiscal discipline and economic restructuring.

Singh’s reforms were not just about numbers; they represented a philosophical shift. He ended the License Raj, which had stifled industrial growth, opened the economy to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), devalued the rupee to boost export competitiveness, disinvested government stakes in public sector enterprises, and liberalised trade policies by reducing import restrictions and tariffs. These measures laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic power.

Despite the transformative impact of these reforms, Singh faced significant resistance within the Congress party and from prominent industrialists. Many viewed the reforms as a betrayal of socialist ideals, and Singh had to navigate fierce criticism to ensure their survival. His perseverance and vision were instrumental in steering India through this economic crisis and setting the stage for sustained growth.

In conclusion, Manmohan Singh’s legacy as the architect of India’s economic reforms deserves greater recognition. His visionary leadership and bold reforms were pivotal in transforming India’s economy, yet the Congress often failed to fully acknowledge his contributions.

His Technocratic Leadership

Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by his technocratic approach to governance, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries. With a distinguished background as an economist, Singh brought a pragmatic and data-driven perspective to the highest office. His academic brilliance, honed at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, and his extensive experience in economic policy-making, including roles as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, equipped him to navigate complex economic and political challenges.

Singh’s leadership was characterised by his calm demeanour and methodical decision-making. He steered India through the global financial crisis of 2008, implementing policies that ensured economic stability and sustained growth. His tenure saw the introduction of significant social welfare programmes, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, which aimed at inclusive development and transparency.

Despite these substantial contributions, the Congress often failed to fully acknowledge Singh’s technocratic leadership. The party’s focus on internal political dynamics and power struggles overshadowed his achievements. Critics labelled him as a “silent PM,” underestimating his strategic acumen and the quiet strength of his leadership. Singh’s legacy as a technocrat with a vision remains a testament to his ability to blend economic expertise with effective governance, a quality that deserves greater recognition.

His Integrity And Humility

Throughout his political career, Manmohan Singh was known for his integrity and humility. He maintained a low profile, avoiding the limelight and focusing on his work. This understated approach often led to his achievements being underappreciated within the Congress. His commitment to public service and ethical governance set a high standard, yet the party did not always recognise the value of his principled leadership.

Singh’s honesty and dedication were evident in every role he undertook, from his tenure as finance minister to his time as prime minister. His economic reforms in 1991, which transformed India’s economy, were driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a vision for the nation’s future. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, Singh remained steadfast in his commitment to ethical governance, never compromising on his principles.

His humility was equally remarkable. Singh’s interactions with colleagues and opponents alike were marked by respect and courtesy. He was known for his willingness to listen and his ability to build consensus, qualities that are rare in the often combative world of politics. Even during his tenure as Prime Minister, Singh’s modesty and unassuming nature stood out, earning him respect across the political spectrum.

Manmohan Singh’s integrity and humility were defining aspects of his leadership. His principled approach to governance and his unwavering commitment to public service set a high standard for future leaders. The Congress’s failure to fully acknowledge these qualities is a testament to the quiet strength and enduring legacy of Singh’s leadership.

His Vision For Social Welfare

Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a profound commitment to social welfare, reflected in several transformative programmes aimed at uplifting the marginalised sections of society. One of the most significant initiatives was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched in 2005. This landmark legislation provided a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, significantly enhancing livelihood security and empowering the rural community.

Singh’s vision extended beyond employment. His government implemented the Right to Information Act (2005), which strengthened transparency and accountability by granting citizens access to public information. This act empowered ordinary citizens to hold the government accountable, fostering a culture of openness and trust. Additionally, the National Food Security Act (2013) ensured subsidised food grains for nearly two-thirds of India’s population, addressing the critical issue of food security and aiming to eradicate hunger.

Despite these significant achievements, the Congress often failed to adequately highlight Singh’s vision for social welfare. His efforts to create an inclusive and equitable society were overshadowed by political dynamics within the party. Singh’s focus on social justice and his dedication to improving the lives of the underprivileged set a high standard for governance, yet his contributions in this area were not always fully recognised.

Manmohan Singh’s vision for social welfare was a cornerstone of his leadership. His transformative initiatives, aimed at empowering the marginalised and fostering transparency, remain a testament to his commitment to inclusive development.

The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.

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