Lagatar24.com
Language : HINDI
  • Home
  • Jharkhand
  • Bihar
  • National & World
  • Business
  • Health & Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Career
  • Tech – Gyan
  • Opinion
Thursday, 23 October, 2025
Lagatar24.com
  • Home
  • Jharkhand
  • Bihar
  • National & World
  • Business
  • Health & Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Career
  • Tech – Gyan
  • Opinion
Lagatar24.com
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Jharkhand
  • Bihar
  • National & World
  • Business
  • Health & Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Career
  • Tech – Gyan
  • Opinion
Home National & International

How Manmohan Singh Became the “Accidental Prime Minister” After UPA’s 2004 Victory

A quiet technocrat rose to lead India, leaving a legacy of reforms and resilience amidst challenges.

Lagatar News by Lagatar News
December 27, 2024
in National & International
Manmohan Singh’s Last Rites to Be Held with State Honors Tomorrow; Seven-Day National Mourning Declared
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Lagatar24 Desk

New Delhi: On May 22, 2004, Manmohan Singh, dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama and blue turban, was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister. At 71, the reserved economist-turned-politician assumed leadership at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, overseen by then-President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Among the attendees were political allies, family members, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Dr. Singh’s elevation was as unexpected as the Congress-led UPA’s stunning electoral victory. With exit polls and pundits overwhelmingly predicting a second term for Vajpayee’s NDA government, fueled by the BJP’s “India Shining” campaign, the results defied expectations. Under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress secured a comeback, forming a coalition government with support from regional allies.

However, in a surprising twist, Sonia Gandhi, widely expected to take the top job, declined, citing her “inner voice.” Instead, she nominated Manmohan Singh, a decision influenced by political opposition and personal reasons, including Rahul Gandhi’s concerns about his mother’s safety after witnessing the assassinations of Rajiv and Indira Gandhi.

Dr. Singh’s rise to the premiership was unconventional. A technocrat with no mass political base, he was known more for his contributions as Finance Minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government, where he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic liberalization. Despite his reputation as a reformer, he had never won a Lok Sabha seat, relying on the Rajya Sabha for his political career.

As the “Accidental Prime Minister,” Dr. Singh’s tenure saw landmark achievements, including the Right to Information (RTI), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), and the Right to Education (RTE). He also navigated significant challenges, such as the 2008 confidence vote over the Indo-US nuclear deal, a cornerstone of his government’s policy agenda. Despite losing the Left’s support, he secured the deal, underscoring his focus on India’s energy security.

Dr. Singh’s decade-long leadership was not without controversy, particularly during UPA-II, marred by allegations of corruption and policy paralysis. Nonetheless, his dignified exit from public life in 2014, after Narendra Modi’s BJP swept to power, reflected his humility. “I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or the Opposition parties in Parliament,” he remarked, encapsulating his understated yet impactful legacy.

Share76Tweet47
Previous Post

In His Last Interview, Manmohan Singh Called Demonetisation One of India’s Biggest Scams

Next Post

Essential Medicines You Must Carry While Traveling This New Year

Related Posts

Lokpal Floats Tender for 7 BMWs Worth ₹70 Lakh Each, Sparks Public Outrage

Lokpal Floats Tender for 7 BMWs Worth ₹70 Lakh Each, Sparks Public Outrage

October 21, 2025
Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84, PM Modi Pays Tribute to “Versatile Artist”

Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84, PM Modi Pays Tribute to “Versatile Artist”

October 21, 2025
Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister, Seen as Hardliner on China

Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister, Seen as Hardliner on China

October 21, 2025
Ex-DGP, Ex-Minister Booked for Son’s Death After Shocking Affair Allegations

Ex-DGP, Ex-Minister Booked for Son’s Death After Shocking Affair Allegations

October 21, 2025
Biocon Chief Meets DK Shivakumar Amid Bengaluru Infrastructure Row

Biocon Chief Meets DK Shivakumar Amid Bengaluru Infrastructure Row

October 21, 2025
US Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee, Brings Major Relief for Indian Students and Techies

US Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee, Brings Major Relief for Indian Students and Techies

October 21, 2025
Load More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • About Editor
  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2024 Lagatar News (Lagatar24.com)

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Jharkhand
  • Bihar
  • National & World
  • Business
  • Health & Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Career
  • Tech – Gyan
  • Opinion

© 2024 Lagatar News (Lagatar24.com)