Former PM Manmohan Singh Had a Special Connection With Assam. Read to Find Out

His focus on the Northeast's development was evident through several initiatives aimed at addressing the region's unique challenges.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, was not only a visionary economist and former Prime Minister of India but also a figure with a deep, personal connection to Assam.

Renowned for his pivotal role in steering India’s economic reforms in the 1990s, Singh had a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam, where he represented the state for nearly three decades as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.

Dr Singh’s bond with Assam began in 1991 when he was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state. His affection for the region was evident in his words, as he fondly referred to Assam as his “adopted home.”

His connection was not just political but deeply emotional. Singh had a modest residence in Guwahati, a small two-room apartment, which belonged to Assam minister Hemoprova Saikia. The apartment had personal significance, as it was here that Singh’s political journey in Assam truly began. The late Hiteswar Saikia, former Chief Minister of Assam, had persuaded Singh to seek election from the state, and this gesture marked the start of a lifelong association.

During his tenure as Finance Minister and later as Prime Minister, Dr Singh supported causes that were close to the hearts of the people of Assam and the Northeast. His advocacy for flood control, tea industry reforms, and special economic packages for the region ensured that the concerns of Assam were heard in the power corridors of New Delhi.

His focus on the Northeast’s development was evident through several initiatives aimed at addressing the region’s unique challenges.

Singh often spoke of his emotional connection to Assam, stating, “Assam gave me a home when I had none. It adopted me and gave me the opportunity to serve its people and the nation.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a heartfelt tribute on social media, recalled his close association with the former Prime Minister.

Sarma highlighted Dr Singh’s commitment to social issues and the invaluable contributions he made to the country’s economy, particularly in moving away from regressive socialist policies to a more market-driven approach.

Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing is being mourned as the loss of a great patriot. His legacy, especially his role in shaping India’s economic landscape, will forever be remembered, not just by the nation, but also by the people of Assam, who considered him one of their own.

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