Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, known for his humility and simplicity, reportedly cherished his Maruti Suzuki 800 over the high-security BMW assigned to him during his tenure. Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Social Welfare (Independent Charge), Asim Arun, shared this anecdote as a heartfelt tribute following Singh’s passing at the age of 92.
Asim Arun, a former IPS officer who served as Singh’s close protection officer, recounted how the ex-PM would often express his fondness for the modest Maruti. “Asim, I don’t like traveling in this car (BMW). My car is the Maruti,” Singh would say, often looking at the Maruti 800 whenever his motorcade passed it.
A Humble Leader
Arun described how Singh’s preference for the Maruti symbolized his middle-class values and his connection to the common man. While the BMW represented the grandeur of the Prime Minister’s office, Singh viewed the Maruti as a reminder of his roots and simplicity.
Arun, who served as the head of the Special Protection Group’s Close Protection Team, shadowed Singh for nearly three years. “If only one bodyguard could stay with him, it had to be me,” Arun recalled, highlighting his role in ensuring Singh’s safety.
A Leader of Transformative Policies
As India’s Finance Minister in the 1990s, Singh’s visionary economic policies helped steer the country away from the brink of collapse, ending the restrictive licence raj. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by landmark initiatives such as the Right to Information (RTI), the Right to Education (RTE), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
Globally respected for his intellect and ability to build consensus, Singh left an indelible mark on India’s economic and social fabric.
