manmohan-singh-bids-farewell-to-rajya-sabha-after-three-decades

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a figure in Indian politics renowned for his pivotal role in shaping the nation's economic landscape, is set to bid adieu to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.  His retirement marks the conclusion of an illustrious three-decade-long tenure in the Upper House.

 

Coinciding with Singh's departure, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is set to make her debut in the Rajya Sabha, stepping into the seat vacated by the statesman. 

 

In a heartfelt tribute penned by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, said that "An era comes to an end with Singh's retirement. Manmohan Singh will remain a "hero" to the middle class and aspirational youth" He also hailed the former Prime Minister as a "leader and guide to the industrialists and entrepreneurs, and a benefactor to all those poor who were able to climb out of poverty due to your economic policies."

 

Kharge also claimed that the foundation of the "little reforms done by the current government" lies the work initiated by the UPA government.

 

He listed out initiatives like creating zero-balance bank accounts, Aadhaar cards, and deregulation of petrol and diesel prices.

 

 "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", Kharge quoted. "Thanks to your policies, India was able to lift 27 crore people, the highest number of poor people out of poverty in the world while you were the Prime Minister.", he added.

 

Singh's journey in the Rajya Sabha commenced in October 1991, marking the beginning of a distinguished parliamentary career that spanned nearly three decades.

 

His career been characterized by landmark achievements, notably his instrumental role in spearheading the historic 1991 economic reforms alongside former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.

 

As Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government, Singh also played a pivotal role in ushering in an era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization, laying the groundwork for India's economic transformation.