Kumar Bahukhandi
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh (left) and former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi. In his new memoir, Quraishi recounts a private 2012 conversation in which Singh reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the dignity and independence of the Election Commission during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections-Photo Credit-channel24india.com
In Short
- Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi recounts a private meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh in his new book.
- The conversation reportedly took place during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
- Singh allegedly said, “If that is what you think of me, I will commit suicide,” expressing distress over criticism of the Election Commission by some ministers.
- The controversy centred on remarks made by then Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid regarding an increase in the Muslim sub-quota during the election campaign.
- Quraishi claims the Prime Minister later ensured that public criticism of the Election Commission by ministers stopped.
- The account appears in India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir and represents the author’s recollection of the events.
New memoir recounts how the former Prime Minister defended the Election Commission during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections amid a political row over the Model Code of Conduct
A previously undisclosed conversation between former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has come to light through Quraishi’s newly released book, India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir. The account offers a rare glimpse into the former Prime Minister’s deep concern for the independence of constitutional institutions during a politically charged period.
According to Quraishi, the conversation took place during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, when tensions had escalated between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and certain Union ministers over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
An Emotional Exchange
In the book, Quraishi recounts that after he expressed his displeasure to the Prime Minister’s Office over public criticism of the Election Commission by some Union ministers, Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately invited him for a private meeting.
During the discussion, Singh reportedly told him:
“If that is what you think of me, I will commit suicide.”
According to the memoir, the remark reflected the Prime Minister’s anguish over the perception that his government was undermining the Election Commission.
Quraishi writes that Dr. Singh clarified he had not been aware of the ministers’ public statements. He reportedly assured the then Chief Election Commissioner that had he known about them earlier, he would have reprimanded those responsible.
The former Prime Minister also stressed that the Election Commission is one of India’s most important democratic institutions and that its dignity and independence must be protected under all circumstances.
The 2012 Election Controversy
The episode stemmed from the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election campaign, when the then Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid reportedly promised to increase the Muslim sub-quota from 4.5% to 9%.
The BJP filed a complaint before the Election Commission, alleging that the announcement violated the Model Code of Conduct.
Following its inquiry, the Election Commission issued a strong reprimand to Khurshid. The action was followed by public criticism of the Commission from some Congress leaders and Union ministers, creating friction between the constitutional body and the government.
According to Quraishi’s account, Dr. Manmohan Singh took the matter seriously and conveyed a firm message within the government, after which public criticism of the Election Commission came to an end.
A Window into Singh’s Leadership Style
The anecdote portrays Dr. Manmohan Singh’s characteristic preference for institutional propriety and constitutional restraint. Rather than escalating the dispute, he is described as seeking to reassure the Election Commission of his government’s respect for its autonomy.
While the book reflects Quraishi’s personal recollection of events, it adds a new perspective to the political and constitutional dynamics surrounding one of India’s most closely watched state elections.
