'She Has Let Me Down...,' When Dr Manmohan Singh Took on Sonia Gandhi and Congress to Push THIS Deal in Parliament

Several political stories remain untold, hidden in the annals of history, waiting to reveal the grit and determination of those who shaped the nation. As India mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a leader often referred to as a man of few words but monumental actions, it’s time to revisit one of the most defining chapters of his journey. In 2008, Singh stood firm against mounting opposition from allies, rivals, and even senior Congress leaders, to push the Indo-US nuclear deal—a move that secured India’s energy future and cemented its global stature. Here’s how a quiet yet resolute leader defied the odds and left an indelible mark on Indian politics.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Vision for the Nuclear Deal

The Indo-US nuclear deal was a landmark agreement that sought to address India's growing energy demands. At the time, the country’s nuclear power plants were running short on uranium, and domestic mining faced numerous environmental challenges. Dr. Manmohan Singh, recognising the urgency of the situation, envisioned a solution through this deal.

However, Manmohan Singh’s vision faced criticism from opposition parties and even allies like the Left Front, who argued that the agreement could compromise India's sovereignty by aligning too closely with the United States. Undeterred, Singh assured Parliament that no external power could dictate India’s foreign policy. “India is too large and too important a country to have the independence of its foreign policy taken away by any power,” he declared, cementing his resolve.

Sonia Gandhi’s Calculated Silence

Even within his own party, Singh’s stance was not universally supported. According to The Accidental Prime Minister by his former media adviser, Sanjay Baru, tensions between Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi surfaced during critical moments. Singh reportedly expressed disappointment with Sonia's decision to prioritise the survival of the coalition over the nuclear deal. "She has let me down," Singh is said to have confided to his aides in October 2007, reflecting the intense pressures he faced.

Despite feeling let down, Manmohan Singh refused to back down. He saw the nuclear deal as essential to ending the “nuclear apartheid” that India had endured globally. His leadership was crucial in securing assurances from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and maintaining a strong rapport with then-US President George W. Bush.

Political Hurdles and Economic Pressures

The year 2008 was marked by soaring crude oil prices, leading to a sharp hike in fuel costs. This further inflamed public anger and gave the opposition, including the Left Front, an opportunity to challenge Manmohan Singh’s government. The Left even demanded a rollback of the fuel price hike and voiced strong objections to the nuclear deal, which they saw as compromising India’s autonomy.

Despite these pressures, Singh remained focused on long-term energy security. He underscored the need for alternate energy sources, including nuclear energy, to reduce dependence on volatile global oil markets.

Winning the Trust Vote

When the Left Front withdrew its support in July 2008, the UPA government was pushed to the brink of collapse. This triggered a high-stakes trust vote in Parliament. Throughout the proceedings, Dr. Manmohan Singh stood firm, advocating the deal as a necessity for India’s global stature and energy needs.

In his reply during the trust vote, Singh delivered a memorable speech: "I am convinced that despite their opportunistic opposition, history will compliment the UPA Government for having taken another giant step forward to lead India to become a major power center of the evolving global economy."

Singh’s government won the vote, and the nuclear deal was finalised, transforming Indo-US relations and bolstering India’s international standing.

Manmohan Singh's Legacy of Vision and Resolve

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s push for the nuclear deal reflected his profound understanding of India’s energy needs and his ability to look beyond immediate political hurdles for the greater good. His leadership during this turbulent period highlighted not just his economic acumen but also his courage to take a principled stand, even when it meant opposing voices within his party.