CM Revanth Reddy proposes installing Manmohan Singh’s statue in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has proposed installing a statue of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the financial district to recognize his contribution as the architect of India's economic reforms.

He sought suggestions from the members about the place for installing the statute.

Telangana Legislative Assembly met on Monday to pay homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died at AIIMS, New Delhi on December 26. However, Leader of the Opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) did not attend the session.

Soon after Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar convened the Assembly, Revanth Reddy moved a motion to condole the death of Manmohan Singh and express gratitude for his in forming Telangana state in 2014. He credited the previous prime minister with establishing the groundwork for India's competitiveness in the global economy by highlighting his crucial role in liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) policies.

Revanth Reddy praised the previous prime minister for being the driving force behind India's economic transformation and his distinguished service in various capacities, including RBI Governor, Union Finance Minister, and Prime Minister.

“Manmohan Singh's death is a great loss for this country. No matter how much criticism he received for his silence, he did not lose patience. Singh focused on strengthening the country economically and socially and the former prime minister will be in the first row among those who are role models in economic and political aspects,” the CM said.

Recalling his association with Singh, the Chief Minister said that the former prime minister participated in the protest in Delhi for the protection of democracy.

“It was a lifetime event for us. Participating in the protest to protect the democracy of the Parliament is proof of his modesty. Manmohan Singh was the person who came up with employment guarantee scheme and provided 100 days of work to the poor. The former prime minister also brought food security and right to information laws,” he said.

Revanth Reddy also said that Singh played a crucial role in bringing the Land Acquisition Act 2013 to benefit the landless poor and the Forest Rights Act 2006 as per Dr Ambedkar's vision. The liberal policies brought by Singh changed the course of the country, he added.

“Singh might have served as the former prime minister and former finance minister of the country, but he is a soulmate of Telangana as the new state was formed under special circumstances during the UPA-II regime, headed by Manmohan Singh,” the chief minister said and added that there is a need to express consensus for Singh beyond the parties.

The House also passed a resolution requesting the Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on Dr Singh posthumously.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said, “As long as the state of Telangana exists, Manmohan Singh's name will remain forever. Then, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan approved the Telangana Bill, despite the lack of necessary strength in the Parliament for the formation of Telangana state.”

Bhatti said that Manmohan Singh was the first Prime Minister who waved off farmers' loans for the first time in the country and the latter was also the inspiration behind the Rs 2 lakh loan waiver scheme in the state today."I completely support the resolution proposed by the chief minister to erect a statue of Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad and award him the Bharat Ratna,” he said.

On behalf of the main opposition BRS, KT Rama Rao (KTR) emphasized Manmohan Singh's contributions to the country, particularly Telangana State, which was established under his leadership, and offered the Chief Minister's move his complete support. He ascribed Dr. Manmohan Singh's qualities to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who recognized them and started economic reforms that increased India's foreign exchange reserves.

KTR also highlighted Dr. Manmohan Singh's simplicity and dedication to the Congress, pointing out the former prime minister's crucial role in the creation of Telangana. He remembered how the former prime minister praised K Chandrashekhar Rao, the head of the BRS and a member of his cabinet, for sacrificing his position in the coalition government to support the creation of Telangana State, calling him a "Karma Yogi" who would succeed.

Additionally, KTR recommended that the Assembly adopt a resolution calling for a memorial in Delhi for former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who was denied the honor since he was a Telangana native. "It's time to honor both Dr. Manmohan Singh's and Narasimha Rao's legacy," he remarked, highlighting their revolutionary contributions to India's social and economic landscape.

Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu, BJP floor leader Yeleti Maheshwar Reddy, CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao and others also spoke on the occasion.