Mamun Rashid writes from New Delhi, India I met Dr. Manmohan Singh once and that too was possibly for less than a minute. When I introduced myself being from Bangladesh at a regional summit several years ago, the reformist finance minister of India said a few words about late finance minister of Bangladesh Mr. Saifur Rahman's success in the implementation of the value added tax (VAT). However, I heard him speaking several times sitting very close to the podium, the latest one being on the 18th September last. I always thought this gentleman had a lot of stake in the emergence of a market friendly India and, more importantly, in furthering India's competitiveness in global market places. I was listening to Dr. Singh in an august gathering organised to mark the completion of the restoration work of the Humayun Tomb in Delhi by Aga Khan Trust for Culture. He is always very polite and soft speaking. However, this time I have to tell something different about Mr. Singh. My chauffer while carrying me from the airport to the hotel was telling me PM Singh is a good man but he does not have the guts to stand up, especially in front Soniaji (Ms. Sonia Gandhi). All major decisions are being taken by Ms. Gandhi and Mr. Singh just goes by those. I never thought that a chauffeur was capable enough of making comments on the performance of a prime minister and that too of a country like India. When similar comment came from a senior editorial person from The Times of India, I had to take cognizance of the 'Singh's failure' in upholding the dignity of the office of the prime minister. Manmohan Singh is the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to return to power after completing a full five year term. Some analysts say, he also carries the potential of making a come back, if Congress is voted to power next time. Mr. Singh has already expressed his loyalty to Rahul Gandhi and said if Rahul takes over a decision making position in the government he (Mr Singh) will have no problem to work with him. He is known to be an honest person and there is no reason to question his integrity. However many people are thinking now- what good is then honesty that turns a blind eye to a series of corruption around you? Financial scandals revolving around allocation of 2G spectrum and coal blocks have also added slur to his account. One of our journalist friends thought, Mr. Singh is extremely weak to make decisions and dictate terms to other colleagues and sub-ordinates. `Most of the time our prime minister is confused and unable to communicate well', he added. His failure to strongly defend the actions of congress government is adding definite setback to the Congress party itself. Decision making process has been slowed down which at frequent intervals influences the policy actions. My journalist friend also thought a leader has to stand up and lead a mark in life. All of a sudden, he is deemed to have become more of a congressman than one of longstanding congress stalwarts. His inability to communicate well despite being a `speaking the mind' economist has reportedly dismayed many senior government officials and cabinet colleagues. However, despite these shortcomings I thought Manmohan Singh will be remembered as a very thoughtful finance minister; taking interest in diverse issues and committed to the resurgence of a new India. He will also be remembered beyond his retirement for his track record in driving reforms. However he being too soft to decide and dictate the terms to other people, many people don't like him. Few also think, his reforms backfired without being able to show much success and align with the right crowd. India's growth has slowed and inflation doubled over last few years. A few government decisions and deals have reportedly dented India's national interest and put Congress party into serious embarrassment in front of the opposition and media. Mr. Singh could not lead from the front. May be he is not an astute politician. Eighty-one year old Mr. Singh subscribes to an idea of secular India. He tried to make sure that growth is inclusive. And he respects the 'one India' school of thought. All is good, but India needs a driver in their PM, which Mr. Singh is not. India needs a loud and clear leader in their PM, who he is not. Indians expected a good communicator in him, what he could not deliver. India deserves a well articulated person in their PM, which Mr. Singh is not. They need a politically correct prime minister, where Mr. Singh could not demonstrate his courage and vigour many times. India might have been largely benefitted out of reforms spearheaded by Manmohan Sigh; Mr. Singh may not be remembered as a very successful prime minister for his inability to dictate the terms or for always passing the bucks on to others or for suffering from a 'confusion syndrome'. However he should be remembered as a responsible and forward looking public servant, trying to protect mother India and 'India interest' through all his humble efforts. It has again been proved that good man always does not make good politician and for driving changes, one has to lead from the front. (Mamun Rashid is a banker and economic analyst. E-mail:mrashid 1961 @gmail.com)
Will India remember Manmohan Singh?
FE Team | Published: September 24, 2013 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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