Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh recalls association with former PM Manmohan Singh

Nara Lokesh. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Nara Lokesh has recalled his family’s association with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In a post on X, Mr. Lokesh said he was reminded of Mr. Manmohan Singh’s large-heartedness and graciousness towards his family. “Dr. Manmohan Singh was a rare statesman, and as a family we owe him personally for his large heart. Farewell sir. You will be missed,” he said. Mr. Lokesh recalled that the year 2004 was a particularly difficult time for the family.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu had  recovered from an attempt on his life by naxals at Tirupati and the TDP had just lost the 2004 elections. At this crucial time, the new State Government had moved to reduce the security cover for Mr. Naidu. “This would have prevented him from being with the people and representing their issues,” he felt.

“At this time, Mr. Naidu met then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and personally requested him to restore security cover citing the recent attacks on his life and the heightened threat perception as was ascertained by security agencies,” Mr. Lokesh recalled.

“Regardless of the fact that we are from an Opposition party, Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately said that Mr. @ncbn garu is important to the nation, and against the wishes of the then State Government, gave instructions to restore full security (led by NSG commandos) to Mr. @ncbn garu,” he said, adding: “In fact, he specifically told Mr. Naidu that by the time he goes back to Hyderabad, NSG security cover will be ready for him.”