As the country mourns the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh recalled a touching tale of how the former Prime Minister reinstated security for his father, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, post-Maoist attack in 2004.
In a warm post on X, Lokesh recalled the challenges that came with that turbulent year. “2004 was particularly difficult for us. Our leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had just recovered from a life-threatening bomb blast by Naxals near Tirupati and TDP had just lost the elections,” he said.
The ruling Congress party, led by Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, had swept the Andhra polls that year and the TDP had lost power. “At this critical juncture, the new state government sought to reduce Mr. Naidu’s security cover, which would have hampered his ability to reach out to the people and listen to their problems,” Lokesh explained.
It was during this tense time that Naidu personally approached Dr. Singh and requested the reinstatement of his security. Lokesh highlighted the need of the hour, underlining the fact that security agencies had raised the threat perception. “Dr. Singh replied positively, saying that Mr. Naidu was valuable to the country and issued NSG protection to him despite objections from the state government,” he added.
Dr. Singh’s commitment to safeguarding Naidu was evident when he had assured him that by the time he returned to Hyderabad, the NSG security would be in place. “His decisive action, in spite of political affiliations, demonstrated Dr. Singh’s statesmanship,” Lokesh remarked. “He was a rare statesman, and as a family, we owe him our gratitude for his large heart. Farewell, sir. You will be missed.”
N. Chandrababu Naidu in his condolence message said, he was “deeply grieved to learn about the demise of Dr. Singh. An intellectual statesman, Dr. Singh represented humility, wisdom, and integrity. From the economic reforms in 1991 to his leadership as Prime Minister, he uplifted millions. His death is a great loss to the nation,” he said.
Mr. Naidu visited Dr. Singh’s residence in Delhi, paid tributes to him and condoled the bereaved family members. “His monumental legacy and service to the nation shall always be remembered and continue to inspire generations,” he added.
The 92-year-old former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, died at AIIMS on Thursday night after being admitted to the hospital earlier that day following a loss of consciousness at home. “Despite immediate resuscitative efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM,” the hospital reported.
