'History Will Be Kinder To Me Than...': What Dr Manmohan Singh Said In His Last Presser As PM | WATCH

In his final press conference as Prime Minister on 3 January 2014, Dr Manmohan Singh made a remark that has frequently circulated on social media over the past decade.

During the press conference, an NDTV reporter questioned Dr Singh about his inability to control his ministers and his reluctance to act in certain situations.

Photo Credit: PTI

Responding with a smile, Dr Singh said, "I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament."

He added, "I cannot divulge all the things that take place in the cabinet system of government. I think, taking into account the circumstances and the compulsions of a coalition polity, I have done as best as I could under the circumstances."

At the time, the UPA-II government was grappling with allegations of corruption across several ministries, which played a significant role in the Congress' defeat in the 2014 general election and the subsequent rise to power of the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

The 92-year-old former Prime Minister passed away on Thursday after a period of ill health. AIIMS issued a statement saying Dr Singh had been receiving treatment for age-related conditions.

He lost consciousness at home earlier in the day.

"Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM," the hospital said.

Before leading the Executive as Prime Minister, Dr Singh served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and oversaw India's economic reforms under the PV Narasimha Rao government as Finance Minister.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.

"India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.