In a heartfelt tribute, Asim Arun, a former IPS officer and Special Protection Group (SPG) commando during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, reminisced about the late leader’s deep attachment to his humble Maruti 800, a reflection of his unassuming nature and middle-class roots.
Now an MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj Sadar, Arun took to social media platform X to share his memories following Singh’s demise at the age of 92 on Thursday night at AIIMS Delhi. Arun’s poignant post captured the simplicity that defined Singh’s personality, even during his time as the head of the nation.
Reflecting on his time as Singh’s bodyguard from 2004 onwards, Arun wrote, “Dr. Singh owned just one car—a modest Maruti 800. It was always parked behind the shiny BMWs at the Prime Minister’s residence. Despite the grandeur surrounding him, his heart remained with his Maruti.”
Singh often expressed his longing for the car, Arun recalled. “He would say to me, ‘Asim, I don’t like traveling in this car (BMW); my vehicle is this one (the Maruti).’ I would explain that the BMW was equipped with essential security features, but whenever the convoy passed the Maruti, he would look at it fondly, as if reaffirming his identity as a middle-class person who cared deeply for the common man.”
Asim Arun also shed light on the unique role he played in Singh’s life during those years. “The SPG provides the closest security for the Prime Minister. As Assistant Inspector General of the Close Protection Team, I was never far from him. If only one bodyguard was allowed, it would be me. My responsibility was to stay with him like a shadow,” Arun wrote.
Singh, known for his humility, intellect, and calm demeanor, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was widely celebrated as the architect of India’s economic liberalization during his tenure as finance minister in 1991.
“His attachment to the Maruti 800 wasn’t just about nostalgia—it reflected the essence of who he was: a leader deeply rooted in simplicity and a beacon of hope for the middle class,” Arun added.
Manmohan Singh’s passing has left a wave of mourning across the country, but stories like these ensure his legacy of humility and service to the nation will endure for generations.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh government has declared a seven-day state mourning to honor the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at AIIMS, New Delhi, at the age of 92.
The mourning period will commence on December 26 and continue until January 1, 2025.
During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast across government buildings in the state, and no entertainment programs will be organized by the state government, as per official orders issued on Friday.