* Telangana Assembly passes unanimous resolution seeking Bharat Ratna for former PM

metro india news  I hyderabad

Congress and BRS parties that have been at logger heads on several issues since last one year, for a change, were seen on the same page on Monday. Courtesy of Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, CM A Revanth Reddy, former ministers and BRS MLAs K T Rama Rao and T Harish Rao spoke in a single and unified voice, with all of them calling upon the NDA government to consider conferring Bharat Ratna, posthumously, to Dr Manmohan Singh.

The three leaders as well as other members acknowledged that it was due to Dr Manmohan Singh’s resolve and commitment that Telangana State came into being, as Dr Singh, the then PM, reached out to BJP leadership and ensured the passage of bill in Rajya Sabha also after Lok Sabha passed it at first.

Further, BRS also backed Revanth’s proposal for installing a statue of the former PM at Financial District or any suitable place. BRS endorsed the government’s stand as also other parties paving way for Telangana assembly to pass a unanimous resolution urging Centre for awarding Bharat Ratna to Manmohan Singh.

A special meeting of the Telangana Assembly was held on Monday to pay tribute to Dr Singh. Introducing the condolence resolution in the Assembly, Revanth Reddy hailed Dr. Manmohan Singh as a "soulmate of Telangana" and an unparalleled statesman.

He praised Dr Singh's decade-long administration, highlighting his focus on work despite criticism. Revanth credited Singh’s liberal policies for India's global IT dominance and structural reforms, which transformed the nation into an economic powerhouse.

He emphasized Singh’s pivotal role in enacting landmark laws such as the Employment Guarantee Act, RTI, and the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.  He commended Singh’s ethics, honesty, and commitment to the welfare of the people, calling him a philosopher, economist, and humanitarian.

Revanth Reddy noted Singh’s special affection for Telangana, recalling how its statehood was realized during his tenure as Prime Minister. He announced plans to install a statue of Dr Singh in Telangana to honor his contributions.

Describing Dr Singh’s leadership as inspired by Ambedkar, Reddy highlighted his family values and modest lifestyle. He demanded that Singh be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, calling his loss an irreparable one for the country and the world.

Speaking later, BRS MLA K T Rama Rao highlighted Dr. Manmohan Singh’s unwavering commitment and his transformative reforms that propelled India’s development. He noted that Singh’s contributions to the formation of Telangana are deeply appreciated.

KTR also underscored the need to honor P.V. Narasimha Rao, a proud son of Telangana, whose leadership laid the foundation for India's liberalization. K.T. Rama Rao expressed disappointment that, unlike other former Prime Ministers, P.V. Narasimha Rao does not have a memorial in Delhi. “A resolution must be passed in the Assembly to demand a memorial for P.V. in Delhi,” he urged.

Rama Rao extended full support for government’s proposal for Bharat Ratna and erecting a statue for Dr Manmohan Singh.

BRS MLA Harish Rao, speaking on the condolence resolution for Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighted his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global economist and leader.

Rao praised Singh's pivotal role in economic reforms and his integrity, stating, "Manmohan Singh was a visionary and loyal leader who oversaw Telangana's formation and left an indelible legacy.