A Legacy Remembered: Dr. Manmohan Singh's Final Words as Prime Minister Resurface a Decade Later Amid National Mourning
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) In his last press conference as Prime Minister on January 3, 2014, Dr. Manmohan Singh made a statement that has been frequently revisited on social media over the last decade.
When questioned by NDTV’s Sunil Prabhu regarding his challenges in managing his ministers and hesitance to take decisive actions, Dr. Singh, with a serene smile, replied, “I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.”
He further elaborated, “I cannot disclose every detail that occurs within the Cabinet system of government. Under the pressures of a coalition government, I have done my utmost given the circumstances.”
At that time, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-II administration was facing severe corruption allegations involving several ministries. These controversies significantly contributed to the Congress party's defeat in the 2014 general elections, paving the way for Narendra Modi and the BJP to ascend to power.
On Thursday, at the age of 92, Dr. Singh passed away after enduring health complications for some time. The AIIMS hospital issued a statement indicating that he had been receiving treatment for age-related issues. His condition deteriorated at home, prompting immediate resuscitative efforts. Despite attempts to revive him at AIIMS, he was pronounced dead at 9:51 PM.
Before ascending to the role of Prime Minister, Dr. Singh served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and was instrumental in India’s economic reforms as Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and various other prominent leaders paid their respects at the residence of the late Dr. Manmohan Singh and extended condolences to his family.
PM Modi expressed profound sorrow, highlighting Dr. Singh’s tremendous contributions to the nation’s advancement. “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s vision and integrity as a leader will forever be remembered in India’s history,” PM Modi stated.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also honored Dr. Singh, calling him a statesman and an esteemed economist who played a crucial role in shaping India’s contemporary economic policies.
The Central government declared a seven-day period of national mourning until January 1, 2025, to celebrate Dr. Singh's legacy. A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs directed all states and Union Territories to lower the national flag to half-mast during this time and to suspend all official entertainment events.
