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'I Will Commit Suicide': Manmohan Singh's Emotional Response During 2012 Election Commission Controversy
A startling revelation about former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has emerged in a new book by former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi. In his book, "India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir", Quraishi recounts an emotional conversation in which Singh reportedly said, "I will commit suicide," while expressing anguish over the conduct of some of his ministers toward the Election Commission.
The 2012 Uttar Pradesh Election Controversy
The incident dates back to the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, when the Congress-led UPA government was in power at the Centre. During the campaign, then Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid promised that if his party came to power, the quota for Muslims in government jobs would be increased from 4.5% to 9%.
The announcement triggered a major political and constitutional controversy, with the BJP accusing Khurshid of violating the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct.
Election Commission Pulled Up Khurshid
According to Quraishi, the Election Commission held four days of detailed hearings on the matter. Senior Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the Congress, while BJP leader Arun Jaitley argued the opposition's case.
After hearing both sides, the Election Commission ruled that fresh policy announcements could not be made once the election process had begun. It subsequently issued a strong reprimand to Salman Khurshid for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Congress Leaders Criticised the Election Commission
Following the Commission's decision, several Congress leaders publicly criticised the poll body, calling it "arrogant" and "arbitrary."
Quraishi writes, " Criticism never bothers me; innuendo that chips away at institutional credibility does. This loose talk was not acceptable."
Quraishi writes, " Criticism never bothers me; innuendo that chips away at institutional credibility does. This loose talk was not acceptable."
Manmohan Singh's Emotional Response
Disturbed by the repeated remarks from ministers, Quraishi conveyed his concerns to the Prime Minister's Office. When Manmohan Singh invited him for a meeting, the former Prime Minister reportedly expressed deep regret over the situation.
According to Quraishi, Singh emotionally said, "If that is what you think, I will commit suicide." He apologised for the behaviour of certain ministers and praised the Election Commission as not only a matter of national pride but also "the soul of our democracy."
Singh reportedly warned that weakening such an institution would ultimately harm the country itself.
Quraishi further states that after this meeting, the public criticism of the Election Commission by government leaders came to an end.
Quraishi further states that after this meeting, the public criticism of the Election Commission by government leaders came to an end.
Political Reactions
The revelations have reignited political debate. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla cited the episode to attack the Congress, claiming that Manmohan Singh himself had become deeply distressed by the conduct of his own ministers.
Poonawalla also alleged that the Congress, which now questions the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after electoral defeats, had similarly undermined constitutional institutions during its tenure in power.
