Asim Arun, an MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj Sadar and former chief of the Special Protection Group (SPG) during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about the late leader’s attachment to his humble Maruti 800 car. Arun’s post on the social media platform X has brought into focus the simplicity and humility of one of India’s most revered statesmen.
Recalling his tenure as the head of the SPG’s Close Protection Team (CPT) from 2004, Arun described his responsibility to remain in close proximity to the Prime Minister at all times. He revealed that despite the shiny black BMW, equipped with state-of-the-art security features, being the official vehicle of the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh’s heart lay with his modest Maruti 800.
“Dr. Sahab had only one car of his own – Maruti 800, which used to be parked behind the BMW in the PM House. He would repeatedly tell me, ‘Aseem, I do not like to travel in this car, my car is this one (Maruti),’” Arun wrote. Despite his preference, the SPG’s stringent security protocols required Singh to use the BMW.
Arun fondly narrated how Singh would glance lovingly at his Maruti 800 whenever his convoy passed by it, as if reaffirming his connection to his middle-class roots. “As if repeating a resolution that I am a middle-class person, and it is my job to worry about the common man,” Arun’s post read.
The poignant reminiscence has struck a chord with people across the nation, especially as India mourns the loss of the former Prime Minister. Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalization and a consensus builder in the turbulent world of politics, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He had been admitted to the Emergency ward of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi earlier that evening in critical condition. Singh’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian politics. Known for his intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the nation, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
