HYDERABAD: Telangana Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to confer the Bharat Ratna—India’s highest civilian honour—on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The resolution garnered support from all political parties without any objections.
The Assembly convened for a one-day special session to pass a condolence motion mourning the passing of Manmohan Singh, who breathed his last on Thursday night.
In addition to the resolution, the ruling and opposition parties reached a consensus to establish a statue of Manmohan Singh at a prominent location in Hyderabad. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy suggested installing the statue in the city’s Financial District.
BRS working president KT Rama Rao endorsed the resolution and proposed that another resolution be passed, demanding a national memorial for former PM PV Narsimha Rao in New Delhi. Meanwhile, state minister T Harish Rao suggested naming the Young India Skills University after Singh.
While moving the resolution, the CM described former PM as a “doctor who monitored the delivery of a baby (Telangana). “Singh will always be remembered as a soulmate for Telangana, He will remain in the hearts of people as a person who ensured the birth of Telangana. We are indebted to him as much as to Sonia Gandhi,” Revanth added.
CM lauds Manmohan’s transformative policies
Revanth lauded Manmohan Singh’s transformative impact on India’s economy through his liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation policies, which he credited for India’s prominence in fields like technology and economics. Revanth also praised the former PM’s unflappable demeanor, calling him a symbol of ethics, honesty, and commitment. “Despite being branded as a ‘Mouna Muni’ (silent saint), Dr Singh focused on strengthening the nation socially and economically. His modesty and commitment to democracy were evident when he participated in a dharna to uphold constitutional values,” Revanth noted.
Sharing his personal experience from the last rites of the departed statesman, the chief minister remarked that Manmohan Singh’s daughter exemplified simplicity and modesty, akin to any ordinary citizen. He further stated that Manmohan Singh’s family serves as a role model for the nation.
“This House expresses deep condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a world-renowned economist who served the nation in various capacities — Economic Advisor to the Union Government, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Union Cabinet Minister, and Prime Minister.
The four crore people of Telangana are deeply indebted to Dr Singh. It was during his tenure as Prime Minister that the formation of Telangana was initiated through the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014, passed in Parliament. This House expresses its profound gratitude to Dr Singh for his exemplary service to the nation, particularly for his role in the formation of Telangana,” Revanth stated.