‘Loss of a true statesman’: Congress condolence resolution for Manmohan Singh

At the extended Congress Working Committee meet in Belagavi today (27 December 2024), the party set aside its scheduled programmes and led with a condolence resolution honouring the late Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night (26 December) in Delhi.

'The Congress Working Committee mourns the loss of a true statesman,' the statement begins, in a tribute to the former prime minister of two terms (2004–2014) 'whose life and work have profoundly shaped the destiny of India'.

'Dr. Singh was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape', continues the statement, 'whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide.'

The resolution goes on to speak of the late leader's achievements both as India's finance minister in the early 1990s, as the 'architect of India's economic liberalisation', and also as the 13th prime minister of India, who 'steered the nation through the challenges of the global financial crisis in 2008 with strategic measures that shielded India from its worst effects'.

It speaks too of his contributions nationally and internationally as not just a politician but 'a respected academician' and career economist. 'His scholarly work as an economist and his service at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the groundwork for many of the economic reforms he later championed as a policymaker,' notes the CWC resolution.

'[His] mentorship has had a lasting impact on the country's future economists,' it adds.

Referring to Singh's tenure as finance minister, the resolution notes that 'Dr Singh was the architect of India's economic liberalisation'.

It mentions his policies of 'deregulation, privatisation and the encouragement of foreign investment' which 'laid the foundation for India's rapid economic growth'.

'Under his stewardship, India emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision,' it continues.

In talking of his stewardship of the nation as prime minister, the statement says, 'His tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition, and social progress.'

It notes, in particular, his role in weathering the global slowdown of 2008, 'with strategic measures that shielded India from its worst effects'.

The resolution then goes on to list some of the government schemes and other initiatives Dr Manmohan Singh is remembered for:

• MGNREGA

• the Right to Education

• the Indo–US Civil Nuclear Deal

• the National Food Security Act

• the Land Acquisition Act

• the Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme

• the 93rd Constitutional Amendment 'that advanced social justice for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs through Article 15(5)'

• the Right to Information (RTI) Act 'to enhance transparency'

• the Forest Rights Act 'to empower tribal communities'

and notes that India achieved its highest GDP growth rate while he was custodian of the nation.

The statement recollects too Singh's 'dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy and economic modernisation', which 'strengthened India's position in the global arena, while simultaneously focusing on the welfare of the common man'.

In the concluding section, the resolution turns to his 'extraordinary' personal qualities: 'His grace, humility, and dignity set him apart as a leader of rare character,' it reads.

Highlighting that his 'unassuming nature' endeared him to people from all walks of life, the CWC resolution says, 'Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness. His demeanor was calm, composed and always guided by a deep sense of integrity.'

The statement concludes with the party's collective pledge to carry forward Singh's 'enduring legacy' — his vision of economic reform, social justice and inclusive growth; his ideals of integrity, diligence and compassion that are to serve as 'a beacon for future generations'.

'We commit to upholding his values as we work towards building a more prosperous and united India, just as he envisioned,' the pledge ends.

(Ed: The full statement may be read at the end of this article)

It is worth noting that this Belagavi meet was intended to see the Congress pledge itself to carry forward the legacy of another great national leader — Mahatma Gandhi — who presided over the party's historic Belgaum session in 1924, exactly a century ago.

Today, poignantly, that renewed pledge and commitment has taken on an extra dimension, adding the ballast of yet another notable legacy — Manmohan Singh's, 'as a leader, an economist, and a humble human being' — on a date that was already unforgettable.

How will the 'Nava Satyagraha' — intended to honour and uphold Mahatma Gandhi, Ambedkar and the Constitution of India — expand to accommodate the legacy of Singh? We will likely have to wait for his final rites to be over before we learn.