P Chidambaram reflects on India's ‘golden chapter’ under Manmohan Singh's tenure

P Chidambaram reflected on the years when he worked alongside the former PM as a Union finance minister, after Manmohan Singh's death

Updated on: Dec 27, 2024, 06:26:11 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram reflected on the “golden chapter in history” during former prime minister Manmohan Singh's tenure.

Former PM Manmohan Singh with P Chidambaram (PTI)

Also Read: Rare pics of former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms

In an emotional post on social media platform X shortly after Manmohan Singh's death, P Chidambaram reflected on the years when he worked alongside the former PM as union finance minister.

Also Read: Manmohan Singh: Astute economic thinker who leaves behind a lasting legacy

“I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements,” he stated.

The Rajya Sabha MP elaborated on the “golden chapter of the history of India” during Manmohan Singh's tenure from 1991 to 2014, saying, “The story of India turned after Dr Singh became Finance Minister. And the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as Finance Minister and Prime Minister.”

Also Read: Manmohan Singh death: Govt to declare 7-day national mourning

He cited examples of Dr Manmohan Singh's empathy, especially for the poor, through policies enacted during his term such as the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), the restructuring of the PDS (public distribution system) and extension of the mid-day meal scheme.

“He did not hide the fact that many millions of India are poor and reminded us that government's policies must lean in favour of the poor,” the Congress leader wrote.

Chidambaram concluded the tribute saying, “His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution.”

Dr Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India, passed away on the night of December 26 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at age 92. He was India’s 13th prime minister and the first Sikh to hold the position.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.