Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has called for a joint resolution in the Punjab Assembly to recommend the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Bajwa proposed the initiative to recognise Singh’s “monumental contributions to India’s progress and his exemplary service to the nation.”
Bajwa reached out to BJP Legislative Party leader Ashwani Sharma
Bajwa also reached out to BJP Legislative Party leader Ashwani Sharma, Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Nachhatar Pal, suggesting the formation of an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocate for conferring the honour on Singh.
Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, passed away on December 26 at the age of 92 due to age-related complications. Bajwa highlighted Singh’s pivotal role in shaping modern India, particularly his tenure as the principal architect of the 1991 economic reforms and as Prime Minister, where he prioritised inclusive growth, social justice, and economic stability.
In his letter, Bajwa described Singh as a unifying force in Indian politics, whose calm demeanour and intellectual acumen transcended political boundaries. He emphasised Singh’s contributions to Punjab, particularly in addressing challenges in agriculture, rural development, and education.
Bajwa shared his proposal on social media, stating, “Honouring Dr Singh with the Bharat Ratna will celebrate his extraordinary contributions and reaffirm our shared commitment to democracy, integrity, and excellence in public service.”
The Qadian MLA asserted that recognising Singh’s legacy would inspire future generations and showcase a unified commitment from Punjab’s leaders. He expressed hope for bipartisan support in passing the resolution during the Assembly’s next session, urging all stakeholders to come together to honour Singh’s enduring legacy.
