M A I N   N E W S

PM resigns, says his tenure an open book
Tribune News Service

Speech highlights I firmly believe that the emergence of India as a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy is an idea whose time has come Ten years ago, when I was entrusted with this responsibility, I entered upon it with diligence as my tool, truth as my beacon and a prayer that I might always do the right thing I have been an underprivileged child of Partition. My life and tenure in the public office is an open book It is both a debt that I’ll never be able to repay and a decoration that I will always wear with pride

New Delhi, May 17
After spending 10 years at the helm, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today submitted his resignation to President Pranab Mukherjee.

He recommended dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha and submitted the resignation of the Council of Ministers to Mukherjee.

Rashtrapati Bhawan spokesperson Venu Rajamony said the President accepted the PM’s resignation and requested him and his colleagues to continue in office till a new government assumed office.

The Union Cabinet today held its last meeting under the chairmanship of Manmohan Singh.

After the Prime Minister left the Cabinet to meet the President, another meeting chaired by Defence Minister AK Antony was held to pass a formal resolution, thanking Manmohan Singh for his work.

The Prime Minister hosted a farewell tea for his colleagues later in the evening, while the President organised a dinner for the outgoing Council of Ministers.

Mukherjee will initiate the process for the formation of the next government after he receives a formal notification from the Election Commission. The notification will be issued by Monday.

Before tendering his resignation, the two-term PM in a televised address to the nation said: “Friends, I am confident about the future of India. I firmly believe that the emergence of India as a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy is an idea whose time has come. Blending tradition with modernity and unity with diversity, this nation of ours can show the way forward to the world. Serving this nation has been my privilege. There is nothing more I could have asked for.”

Recalling the work he began a decade ago, the PM said: “Ten years ago, when I was entrusted with this responsibility, I entered upon it with diligence as my tool, truth as my beacon and a prayer that I might always do the right thing. Today, as I prepare to lay down office, I am aware that well before the final judgment that we all await from the Almighty, there is judgment in the court of public opinion that all elected officials and governments are required to submit themselves to.”

Stating that each citizen should respect the judgement delivered by the electorate, he emphasised that the just-concluded General Election had deepened the foundations of the country’s democratic polity.

Reiterating that his life and tenure in the public office was an open book, the PM said he always tried his best to serve the country, which in the past 10 years, witnessed many successes and achievements to be proud of.

Adding a personal note, he said love and kindness he received from people would be in his abiding memory and expressed gratitude to the country where he, as an underprivileged child of Partition, was empowered enough to rise and occupy high office.

“It is both a debt that I will never be able to repay and a decoration that I will always wear with pride,” the PM added.

Will miss working with you: Obama to Manmohan
Ashok Tuteja
Tribune News Service