NEW DELHI: Even as prime minister, Manmohan Singh’s preference for simplicity was evident in his penchant for a modest suzuki 800a car he appreciated more than the luxurious BMW that came with the job.
In a heartfelt tribute on social media by Asim Arun, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Social Welfare (Independent Charge), he shared an anecdote about Singh’s simplicity and values. Despite the availability of a fleet of high-security vehicles, including a latest-generation BMW, Singh often expressed his preference for his humble Maruti Suzuki 800. “Asim, I don’t like traveling in this (BMW) car.” car is the Maruti,” Singh would tell Arun, and his eyes would often wander towards the Maruti whenever his motorcade passed by.
“While the BMW might symbolize the greatness of the prime minister’s position, in his heart he saw the Maruti as his car,” Arun said.
Arun, a former IPS officer who served as Singh’s escort officer during his tenure as chief minister, shared glimpses of Singh’s character and philosophy.
In his role as head of the Close Protection Team (CPT) of the Special Protection Group, Arun spent almost three years shadowing Manmohan Singh. “As AIG CPT, my responsibility was to be with the prime minister at all times, like his shadow. If only one bodyguard could stay with him, it had to be me,” Arun said.
Arun’s post came soon after Singh, 92, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Thursday night.
As finance minister in the 1990s, his visionary policies freed the nation from the constraints of license raj, steering it away from economic collapse. His tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by transformative initiatives such as the Right to information (RTI), Right to Education (RTE) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
Known for his intellect, modestyAnd his ability to forge consensus, Singh earned respect not only within India but also in the global financial and economic spheres.