The former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh bids adieu to the Rajya Sabha today. This marked the end of his remarkable three-decade-long tenure.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the AICC president paid tribute to Singh’s dedicated service. He admires Singh’s unwavering commitment to the nation. He went on to post on X, “As you retire today from the Rajya Sabha after having served for more than three decades, an era comes to an end. Very few people can say they have served our nation with more dedication and more devotion than you. Very few people have accomplished as much as you for the nation and its people.”
Narendra Modi pointed out how Singh has always wanted to strengthen democracy, and even being in a wheelchair he often came to vote. The PM also said how his contributions will never be forgotten as a member of the upper house.
Background
Manmohan Singh following his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Rao government had first entered the Rajya Sabha as a member in 1991. He secured re-election in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. Singh lost his first Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi in 1999 to BJP’s Vijay Kumar Malhotra.
After representing Assam for five consecutive terms from 1st October 1991 to 14th June 2019, Singh later resumed his tenure in the House from Rajasthan. Since August 20, 2019, he has represented Rajasthan, with his current term slated to conclude on April 3, 2024. During his tenure, Singh served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from March 21, 1998, to May 21, 2004.
BJP has often accused Manmohan Singh of running a government that was marred by corruption. He didn’t speak out against corrupt leaders in his cabinet, thus the party termed him “MaunMohan Singh”. Singh had, however, hoped that “to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the opposition parties in Parliament”.
Conclusion
Nowadays, he does not look very good, with his old age and health but has been often seen attending the Rajya Sabha proceedings in a wheelchair, specifically during crucial voting.
