The idea of a shy politician may seem unlikely—except when the politician in question is Manmohan Singh.
Since the former Indian Prime Minister’s passing on Thursday, tributes have poured in for the “kind and soft-spoken leader” who shaped India’s history and touched millions of lives.
Despite a remarkable career that included roles as the Reserve Bank of India Governor and Finance Minister before serving two terms as Prime Minister, Singh never fit the mold of a showy politician. He lacked the charismatic stage presence of many of his contemporaries.
Although he occasionally gave interviews and held press conferences, especially during his first term, Singh often maintained silence even in the face of scandals or corruption allegations against his cabinet colleagues.
His composed demeanor evoked both criticism and admiration. Supporters appreciated his focus on results over rhetoric, exemplified by the pro-market reforms he introduced as Finance Minister, which opened India’s economy to the world.
Kapil Sibal, a Congress party colleague, once remarked, “I don’t think anyone in India believes that Manmohan Singh could be corrupt or dishonest. He was meticulous and always ensured he stayed within the bounds of the law.”
However, detractors saw him as overly cautious and lacking the dynamism expected of a leader, mocking his husky, subdued voice, which often became the subject of jokes. Yet, this very quality endeared him to many, who found his understated style relatable amidst the theatrics of Indian politics.
Singh’s image as a media-shy and introverted politician persisted, even as others reinvented themselves. His hallmark was the dignity with which he navigated challenges, a quality that left an indelible mark.
Born into a modest family in present-day Pakistan, Singh became India’s first Sikh Prime Minister. His journey—from a Cambridge and Oxford-educated economist overcoming immense odds to a leader admired for his honesty—made him a hero for India’s middle class.
In 2005, Singh took the unprecedented step of apologizing in Parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which Congress party members were implicated. His apology brought solace to the Sikh community and earned respect across party lines.
Another bold move came in 2008 when he secured a landmark nuclear deal with the U.S., ending India’s decades-long isolation in nuclear technology. Despite fierce opposition, Singh managed to save both the agreement and his government.
During the global financial crisis of 2008–2009, Singh’s policies were credited with shielding India from its worst effects. His party’s landslide victory in 2009 secured his second term as Prime Minister, solidifying his image as a benevolent, results-oriented leader.
However, Singh’s second term was marred by controversies, including corruption allegations related to the Commonwealth Games and coal block allocations. Though some accusations were later discredited, his government’s reputation suffered.
Singh also faced criticism for his approach to Pakistan, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and for his handling of the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. His government’s attempts to suppress the movement sparked public outrage.
Public sentiment soured further in 2012 when Singh delayed addressing the brutal gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi. Coupled with slowing economic growth and rising discontent over job shortages and corruption, Singh’s once-revered leadership style began to be viewed as complacent.
Despite mounting criticism, Singh rarely defended himself. In a rare 2014 press conference, he announced he would not seek a third term, saying, “I believe history will judge me more kindly than contemporary media or the opposition.”
He was correct. While neither Singh nor the Congress party fully recovered from their 2014 electoral defeat, his legacy as a principled and visionary leader endured. His policies, focused on uplifting the middle class and poor, introduced landmark programs in education, employment, and inflation control.
Singh’s calm demeanor and personal integrity defined his time in office. Although his tenure was not without flaws, his shyness concealed a leader of remarkable determination and resolve.
