Reforms, Dignity, or Puppetry: The Legacy of Dr Manmohan Singh

Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s last Prime Minister to hold frequent press conferences, in his last press conference as Prime Minister before leaving office after a decade of premiership had put forward his belief that history would be kinder to him than the contemporary media, which was at the time vilifying him on the basis of allegations made by the Anna Andolan. As tributes pour in after the death of the 92-year-old statesman, he seems to be vindicated.

Dr Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the country’s economic transformation, often referred to as the architect of India’s economic reforms. His tenure as Finance Minister in 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was crucial, as he introduced sweeping reforms that dismantled the ‘Licence Raj’, liberalised trade, and opened the economy to foreign investment, steering India away from a looming financial crisis.

As Prime Minister, Singh’s leadership was characterised by a focus on inclusive growth, exemplified by landmark initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI). His government also navigated significant foreign policy challenges, including the historic Indo-US civil nuclear agreement, which enhanced India’s global standing.

Despite facing criticism for alleged corruption scandals during his second term, Singh maintained a reputation for personal integrity and humility. His legacy is a complex tapestry of economic liberalisation, social welfare initiatives, and a commitment to democratic values, leaving an indelible mark on India’s trajectory as a global player.

Jargon

License raj: A system of government regulation that required businesses to obtain licenses for various operations, which stifled economic growth and entrepreneurship in India until its dismantling in the early 1990s.
Indo-US nuclear deal: A landmark agreement signed in 2008 that allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel from the United States, marking a significant shift in India’s international relations and energy policy.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): A social security measure enacted in 2005 that guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household, aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas.
Right to Information (RTI) Act: A law passed in 2005 that empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in government operations.
Economic liberalisation: The process of reducing government restrictions on the economy, including deregulation, privatisation, and opening up to foreign investment, which began in India in 1991 under Dr Singh’s leadership.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

Manmohan Singh is celebrated for his role in dismantling the Licence Raj and liberalising India’s economy, which laid the foundation for sustained economic growth and global integration.
His tenure as Prime Minister is marked by significant social welfare initiatives like MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act, which aimed at inclusive development and transparency.
Singh’s leadership style, characterised by humility and integrity, is praised for maintaining a focus on secularism and democratic values, despite facing political challenges and alleged corruption scandals.
His foreign policy achievements, including the Indo-US nuclear deal, are seen as enhancing India’s global standing and fostering strategic partnerships.
Singh’s legacy is viewed as a testament to his commitment to economic liberalisation, social justice, and inclusive growth, inspiring future generations to prioritize governance with responsibility and dedication.

The left views Dr Singh’s economic liberalisation as a pivotal moment for India’s growth, while the right acknowledges the reforms but criticises the alleged subsequent governance issues during his tenure.
Left-leaning perspectives emphasise Dr Singh’s social welfare initiatives as transformative for inclusive development, whereas the right critiques these policies for being overshadowed by corruption scandals.
Dr Singh’s foreign policy achievements, such as the Indo-US nuclear deal, are celebrated by the left for enhancing India’s global stature, while the right questions his diplomatic approach, particularly towards Pakistan and terrorism.
The left praises Singh’s commitment to secularism and democratic values, viewing his leadership as a model of integrity, while the right criticises his perceived passivity and influence by the Gandhi family.
While the left sees Singh’s legacy as a blend of economic reform and social justice, the right focuses on the need for stronger leadership and accountability, highlighting the challenges faced during his second term.

Manmohan Singh’s economic reforms are acknowledged for transforming India’s economy, but his tenure as Prime Minister is criticised for being marred by alleged corruption scandals and perceived weak leadership.
His leadership style is often described as passive, with critics arguing that he was an ‘accidental prime minister’ under the influence of the Gandhi family.
The right-wing perspective highlights the economic difficulties and scandals during his second term, which are seen as overshadowing his achievements and impacting public trust.
Dr Singh’s foreign policy, particularly his approach to terrorism and relations with Pakistan, are criticised for being too cautious and lacking assertiveness.
Despite his contributions to economic reforms, Dr Singh’s legacy is viewed through a lens of scepticism, with emphasis on the need for stronger leadership and accountability in governance.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Rahul Gandhi (Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha): Expressed condolences on Singh’s passing, highlighting his impactful leadership and contributions to the nation. ¹ ²
Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress President): Praised Singh as a dedicated nation-builder whose contributions are permanently etched in Indian history. ³ ⁴
Priyanka Gandhi (Congress party member): Described Singh as egalitarian, wise, and courageous. ² ⁴
P. Chidambaram (Former Finance Minister of India): Praised Singh’s policies for creating India’s middle class and balancing liberal reforms with attention to the poor. ⁵ ⁶
Jairam Ramesh (Congress Leader): Described Singh as a technocratic transformer of the Indian economy and a gentleman. ⁷

D Raja (CPI general secretary): Said Dr Singh was one of the finest leaders, known for his humility and transformative leadership. ⁸
Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister): Appreciated Singh’s financial reforms and leadership, recalling his wisdom and discretion. ⁴ ⁹
Farooq Abdullah (National Conference president and former Union Minister): Said Dr Singh’s legacy were his effort to keep India united, his economic reforms, and his initiatives for peace in Jammu and Kashmir. ¹⁰
Sharad Pawar (NCP Leader): Described Singh as a visionary reformist and global statesman whose economic reforms will inspire future generations. ⁴
Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress Leader): Recalled Dr Singh as a great economist and pioneer of economic reforms who advanced India’s progress. ⁹
TS Singh Deo (Former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh): Praised Dr Manmohan Singh as a visionary leader whose simplicity and integrity serve as an example. ¹¹

Show less

Droupadi Murmu (President of India): Emphasised Dr Singh’s role in transforming India’s economy and his unblemished political life. ⁷ ⁹
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Acknowledged Dr Singh’s significant impact on India’s economic policy and his rise from humble origins to a respected economist. ⁵ ²
S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister): Noted Dr Singh’s contributions to foreign policy and economic reforms. ⁷
Amit Shah (Union Home Minister): Recognised Dr Singh’s pivotal role in governance, from his tenure as RBI Governor to Prime Minister. ⁴
Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railway Minister): Remembered Dr Singh for his leadership, humility, and dedication. ¹²

Sarbananda Sonowal (Union Minister): Highlighted Dr Singh’s role in India’s economic resurgence and his enduring significance in public life. ¹²
Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh): Acknowledged Dr Singh’s important role in governance as Finance Minister and Prime Minister. ⁷
Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra): Highlighted Dr Singh’s contributions to economic reforms and his decade-long service as Prime Minister. ⁷
General VK Singh (Former Army Chief): Acknowledged Singh as a visionary leader and economist whose legacy will endure in India’s history. ¹²