Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Emotional Appeal: A Clarion Call for Democracy and Economic Revival
In a poignant and compelling open letter, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the esteemed ex-Prime Minister of India, has made an impassioned plea to the voters of Punjab ahead of the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. At 91, the veteran Congress leader’s words carry the weight of decades of experience and a deep commitment to the principles of democracy and economic prosperity. His message underscores a critical juncture for India, urging voters to seize what he describes as a “final chance to ensure our democracy and Constitution are protected from repeated assaults by a despotic regime.”
Economic Turmoil and Comparative Growth
Dr. Singh’s letter paints a stark picture of the Indian economy’s trajectory over the past decade under the BJP’s rule, contrasted with the economic performance during the Congress-led UPA government. He describes the “unimaginable turmoil” that has plagued the Indian economy, attributing significant blame to the “demonetisation disaster,” a “flawed GST,” and the “painful mismanagement” during the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies, he argues, have set a new, lower standard for GDP growth, which now hovers around a subpar six to seven percent.
To illustrate his point, Dr. Singh draws on World Bank data, highlighting the stark differences in GDP growth rates between the two administrations. Under the UPA government, GDP growth peaked at 8.5% in 2010, despite the global financial crisis, and even during the pandemic, it rebounded to a high of 9.1% in 2021. In contrast, the BJP’s tenure saw growth plummet to -5.8% during the pandemic, with current expectations set at around seven percent for FY2024/25, according to the Reserve Bank of India. While the State Bank of India forecasts an optimistic eight percent for FY2023/24, Dr. Singh remains critical of the overall economic management and its impact on the populace.
Unemployment and Inequality
A significant concern raised by Dr. Singh is the issue of unemployment and widening inequality. He points out that unprecedented levels of joblessness and unbridled inflation have exacerbated social and economic divides, pushing inequality to a 100-year high. These challenges, he suggests, are a direct consequence of the BJP’s policies, contrasting sharply with the UPA’s efforts to increase the purchasing power of the people and maintain healthier household savings rates.
Farmers’ Plight and Agricultural Policies
Dr. Singh also addresses the ongoing struggles of India’s farmers, a critical constituency that has been at the forefront of protests against the BJP government. He criticizes the government’s handling of the farmers’ protests, recalling the harsh measures used against protestors and the derogatory remarks made by the Prime Minister. The failure to double farmers’ incomes by 2022, a promise made by the BJP, is highlighted as a significant policy failure, with average monthly incomes remaining meager and farmer debts soaring.
In contrast, Dr. Singh recalls the UPA’s initiatives, such as the ₹72,000 crore loan waiver that benefitted 3.73 crore farmers and the substantial increases in the minimum support price (MSP). The Congress’s current promises include a legal guarantee for MSP, a stable import-export policy for agriculture, and prompt compensation for crop losses, reflecting a continued commitment to addressing the agricultural sector’s challenges.
A Call to Action
Dr. Singh’s letter is not just a critique but a call to action. He urges the voters of Punjab to reflect on the past decade’s economic and social turmoil and to vote for a future that upholds democratic values and ensures economic stability. His appeal is a reminder of the significant choices facing the electorate and the potential to steer the country towards a path of prosperity and justice.
As the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaches, Dr. Singh’s message resonates as a powerful testament to the importance of informed and conscientious voting. His words are a clarion call for democracy, urging voters to protect the nation’s foundational principles and work towards a brighter, more equitable future.