Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 26 at 92 years of age. He is remembered not only for his role in shaping the country’s economic reforms but also for his sharp wit and poetic charm, which he occasionally displayed in Parliament. These moments revealed a different side of the reserved leader, who often used shayari to deliver powerful messages.

A poetic exchange in 2011

In March 2011, a heated debate broke out in the Lok Sabha over a Wikileaks cable alleging that the Congress party bribed MPs during the 2008 trust vote. Sushma Swaraj, then Leader of the Opposition, used Shahab Jafari’s lines to question Singh’s leadership,

"Tu idhar udhar ki na baat kar, ye bata ki qafila kyun luta. Humein rahjano se gila nahi, teri rahbari ka sawal hai."

Translated, the verse meant: “Don’t change the topic, just say why the caravan was looted. We have nothing to say about the robbers, but this is a question on your leadership.”

Singh’s response was equally poetic and left the house cheering. He quoted Allama Iqbal,

"Mana ki teri deed ke qaabil nahin hu main, tu mera shauq dekh mera intezaar dekh..."

This translates to, “I know I am not worth your attention, but look at my longing.” Even Swaraj was seen smiling at his unexpected poetic comeback.

The shayari duel continues

In 2013, during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Singh once again showcased his poetic side. Attacking the Opposition, he recited,

"Humein unse hai wafa ki ummeed jo nahi jante wafa kya hai."

The verse, which means “We expect loyalty from those who don’t know what loyalty is,” highlighted his ability to use poetry as a weapon of political discourse. In response, Sushma Swaraj countered with her own verses, making it an engaging exchange that captivated the House.

Beyond his contributions to the economy, Singh’s poetic moments in Parliament reflected his intellect and sense of humor. These exchanges are fondly remembered as examples of how he balanced sharp political attacks with grace and humility.

History will be kinder to Manmohan Singh

On Thursday, Manmohan Singh passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was admitted to the Emergency ward at around 8:30 pm in critical condition. As India mourns his loss, his legacy as an economist, leader, and poet remains etched in the country’s history.