Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal

A True Anecdote from Rahul Singh, Son of Khushwant Singh, Highlights the Former PM’s Humility and Honesty

In the tributes being paid to Dr. Manmohan Singh following his passing, one particular anecdote from Rahul Singh, former editor and son of the legendary author Khushwant Singh, stands out. This story offers a glimpse into the former Prime Minister’s unique persona and his unwavering integrity, qualities that set him apart from most politicians.

Rahul Singh recounts a time when Dr. Manmohan Singh was contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Delhi (which he ultimately lost). During the campaign, Dr. Singh’s brother approached Khushwant Singh for a donation, and the elder Singh contributed about one lakh rupees. After the election results were declared, Dr. Manmohan Singh personally called Khushwant Singh to arrange a meeting.

When they met, Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately mentioned the donation and, without hesitation, handed back the one lakh rupees. “Here it is, I am returning it to you,” he said, much to Khushwant Singh’s surprise. Dr. Singh explained that since the election had not been successful, the donation was no longer needed for the campaign.

Khushwant Singh, deeply impressed by this gesture, often shared this story, asking, “Which Indian politician would do that?” The incident, according to Rahul Singh, reflected Dr. Manmohan Singh’s rare combination of integrity, transparency, and humility.

This story serves as a reminder of the type of politician Dr. Manmohan Singh was—a man of complete honesty, whose actions earned him respect even among his critics. His passing left a personal void for many, not just his admirers but even those who opposed him, underscoring the kind of leader he truly was.