Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday retired as a member of the Rajya Sabha, officially bidding farewell to active politics. His retirement marks an end to a remarkable three-decade-long tenure in public service.
Singh’s retirement coincides with the exit of 53 more Rajya Sabha MPs between 2 to 3 April. 9 of them are Union ministers.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge penned an emotional letter to the former PM.
‘End of an era’: Mallikarjun Kharge
In his letter, Kharge said, “After having served for more than three decades, an era has come to an end.”
“I remember President Obama mentioning about you that whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him,” Kharge stated.
He further added, “Personally, it has been a privilege for me to have been a part of your cabinet. Over the last 10 years, while I have been the leader of the Congress Party, you have always been a source of wisdom and someone whose advice I valued.”
“Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful,” Kharge wrote.
Kharge said that the nation misses the quiet yet strong dignity that you brought to the office of the Prime Minister. The Parliament will now miss your wisdom and experience.
My letter to Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji as he retires from Rajya Sabha, today.
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… pic.twitter.com/jSgfwp4cPQ
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 2, 2024
Thanks for your remarkable service: MK Stalin
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed gratitude to the former Prime Minister.
Taking to X, Stalin said, Throughout your tenure, you have displayed a rare combination of humility, intellect, and statesmanship. Your leadership, particularly during challenging times, has been a source of inspiration for many, including myself.”
“As you transition into a new phase of your life, I hope you take pride in your immense contribution to Indian Union and its people,” he added.
Dear Dr. Manmohan Singh,
On behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and myself, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your remarkable service to the nation as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) for 33 years.
Throughout your tenure, you have displayed a rare… pic.twitter.com/hDtZgccyH4
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 3, 2024
Manmohan Singh first entered the Rajya Sabha in 1991. He served multiple terms and faced a brief hiatus in 2019 before being re-elected from Rajasthan. He held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004.
Singh entered Rajya Sabha following his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Rao government. He was re-elected in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. Despite an unsuccessful attempt in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi, where he was defeated by BJP’s Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Singh maintained his presence in the Rajya Sabha.
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