A startling and emotional revelation regarding former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has surfaced, shedding light on a turbulent phase in Indian governance. The incident is detailed by former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi in his book, 'India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir'. According to the book, during a period of intense friction between the Election Commission and government ministers in 2012, Dr. Singh expressed profound anguish to Quraishi, remarking, if you think like that, I will commit suicide. This statement highlights the immense pressure and political fragility of that specific period.
The controversy: Salman Khurshid's campaign promise
The conflict originated during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly elections, while the UPA government was in power at the center. In the midst of campaigning, then-Law Minister Salman Khurshid made a significant and controversial pledge. He promised the electorate that if his party were to form the government, the quota for reservation for Muslims in government jobs would be increased from 4.5 percent to 9 percent. This particular campaign promise became the epicenter of a major political and constitutional controversy.
Election Commission intervention and legal debates
Viewing the statement as a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the BJP filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission. SY Quraishi recounted that the issue underwent a rigorous, four-day-long hearing. The legal proceedings saw high-profile representation, with noted lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi presenting the case for the Congress party, while senior leader Arun Jaitley argued on behalf of the BJP. Following this extensive deliberation, the Election Commission ruled that making new policy announcements once the election process is underway is impermissible, subsequently issuing a strong censure against Salman Khurshid.
Ministers' reaction and institutional tension
The firm stance taken by the Election Commission left then-Law Minister Salman Khurshid and several other Congress leaders deeply resentful. Voices within the ruling party began to accuse the Election Commission of behaving in an arbitrary and arrogant manner. The public criticism directed by ministers against a sovereign constitutional body created a highly volatile political atmosphere, causing significant damage to the reputation of the institutions involved.
Dr. Manmohan Singh's emotional stance
SY Quraishi felt deeply wounded by the disparaging remarks made by the ministers, which he believed undermined the credibility of the institutions. He communicated this distress directly to the Prime Minister's Office. Responding to Quraishi's concerns, Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed deep regret over the conduct of his ministers and showered praise upon the Election Commission. He emphasized that the body is not just a source of national pride but is the very soul of India's democracy. He stated clearly that if such institutions were lost, the nation would lose everything.
Renewed political debate
This revelation from the book has sparked fresh political discourse. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla utilized this account to launch a scathing attack on the Congress party. Mocking the situation, Poonawalla noted that Dr. Manmohan Singh was so perturbed by the actions of his own ministers that he felt compelled to speak of suicide. He further alleged that this is the same party that currently blames the Election Commission and EVMs whenever it loses an election, while simultaneously disparaging established democratic institutions.
