New Delhi: In a poignant tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu took to social media on Friday to honor the legacy of a leader he described as "legendary," sharing a meaningful glimpse into their political relationship through a historic video from 2018.
A Legacy Written in Gold
Sidhu's tribute emphasized the indelible mark Dr. Singh left on Indian politics. "A legendary Prime Minister, who is and will be a cult figure forever.... His legend will keep growing. For institutions never die, they keep inspiring generations," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
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A legendary Prime Minister , who is and will be a cult figure forever…. His legend will keep growing….. for institutions never die, they keep inspiring generations.
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) December 27, 2024
जब भी हिंदुस्तान की सियासत में किरदार , क़ाबिलियत और ईमानदारी का इतिहास लिखा जाएगा ,आपका नाम पहले सफ़े पे… pic.twitter.com/mXIUEWMAZl
The former cricketer-turned-politician further elevated his tribute, declaring, "Whenever the history of character, ability and honesty will be written in Indian politics, your name will be written in golden letters on the first page. Neither there was anyone like you before you nor there will be anyone like you after you!"
The Historic Apology
In a remarkable display of political humility, Sidhu shared a video from the 84th Congress Plenary session in 2018, where he had publicly apologized to Dr. Singh. The video captures a significant moment of political reconciliation, occurring after Sidhu's transition from BJP to Congress in 2017.
During that address, Sidhu, acknowledging both the wisdom and effectiveness of Dr. Singh's leadership style, remarked, "I want to apologise to Sardar Manmohan Singh with my head hanging down... I want to say that Sardar Manmohan Singh, what your maun (silence) has done, the noise made by BJP could not do so." He cleverly played on words, describing Singh as "both a Sardar and also asardar (effective)."
Final Farewell Plans
Dr. Singh's passing at age 92 on December 26, after battling age-related illness, has prompted elaborate arrangements for his final journey. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects at the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road, where his body will be taken at 8am on Saturday.
The funeral procession is scheduled to begin at 9:30am, proceeding to Nigambodh Ghat, where full State honours will be accorded during the final rites at 11:45am.
A Permanent Memorial
In a significant announcement, the Union Home Ministry confirmed late Friday that the government will allocate space for a memorial dedicated to Dr. Singh, ensuring his legacy will have a permanent physical presence in the capital.
The decision to establish a memorial underscores the widespread recognition of Dr. Singh's contributions to India, transcending political boundaries and highlighting his role as a statesman who shaped modern India's economic trajectory.
This confluence of tribute, remembrance, and honor reflects the profound impact Dr. Singh had on Indian politics and governance, with leaders across the political spectrum acknowledging his enduring legacy as an economist, statesman, and leader who steered India through critical phases of its economic transformation.
The outpouring of grief and respect from diverse quarters, exemplified by Sidhu's heartfelt tribute, stands testament to Dr. Singh's unique position in Indian political history as a leader whose silence, as Sidhu noted, spoke louder than the clamor of opposition.
