Senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Sunday called for a joint resolution in the Punjab Assembly to recommend the Bharat Ratna for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh — a move to recognize his monumental contributions to India’s progress.

Bajwa, in a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, proposed that the Assembly collectively advocate for Dr Singh to receive India’s highest civilian honour.

Also reaching out to leaders from the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), including BJP’s Ashwani Sharma, SAD’s Manpreet Singh Ayali, and BSP’s Nachhatar Pal, Bajwa urged them to form an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and push for Dr Singh’s recognition.

In his letter, Bajwa praised Dr Singh’s legacy as the architect of India’s 1991 economic reforms, which he said, laid the foundation for the nation’s transformative growth and global standing.

Dr Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92, is remembered for his calm demeanour, intellectual acumen, and commitment to inclusive development, social justice, and economic stability. Bajwa highlighted Dr Singh’s unifying influence across political divides, which fostered national consensus and stability during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Dr Singh’s contributions to Punjab, including his efforts in agriculture, rural development, and education, were also noted by Bajwa, who described him as a proud son of the state who exemplified dedication to nation-building. “Dr Singh’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and humility,” said Bajwa, emphasizing that a joint resolution would be a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

Bajwa’s call for unity across party lines underscored the national importance of honouring Dr Singh’s unparalleled service. “This is a demonstration of our commitment to democracy, integrity, and excellence in public service,” he wrote, urging his colleagues to support the initiative, which aims to inspire future generations by celebrating the contributions of an extraordinary leader.