Law Kumar Mishra | Team TrickyScribe: On this day (November 5) in 1930, Arjun Singh, a towering leader from Madhya Pradesh, was born. Known for his impactful political career, Singh held several prominent positions, including Governor of Punjab following the Longowal Accord, Union HRD Minister, and a three-time Chief Minister. He also served as the Working President of the Congress Party. In an era marked by fierce political competition, Singh, like Kamlapati Tripathi, once addressed an open letter to the Prime Minister and Congress President. Notably, the letter, drafted by an IAS officer from Kerala, led to a rift with the party chief.
Arjun Singh was never part of the so-called “tuccha” (petty) politicians. An incident underlines his principles: when a senior official suggested leaking a scandal about the daughter of a prominent opposition leader to tarnish their image, Singh admonished him, saying, “Today, the daughter of a respected leader may elope; tomorrow, it could be yours or even mine.” Such actions showcased his commitment to ethics over political gains.
Singh was known for his quiet support to those in need, keeping his charitable actions private—known only to him, his trusted PA Mohammad Yunus, and the beneficiaries. In a rare gesture, he even gently reprimanded a senior journalist who presented him with a bouquet on his birthday, saying, “It is not expected of you.” Unlike many of his contemporaries, Singh was an avid reader and always appreciated receiving newly published books as gifts. His press conferences were marked by precision in language, with every word chosen carefully.
One of Singh’s most enduring legacies was orchestrating the surrender of Phoolan Devi and other notorious dacoits from the Chambal region. He provided rehabilitation to their families in the specially developed Shyopur Colony, securing education and livelihood support for their children. His influence was such that the son of Malkhan Singh became a Deputy SP, while Madho Singh’s daughter pursued a career in medicine—both having genuine reasons to feel indebted to the Thakur Saheb, as he was respectfully called.
Singh’s leadership style was unique: at official meetings, simply removing his spectacles and casting a stern look was often enough to communicate his stance to those around him. Additionally, he played a significant role in supporting the press in Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, helping numerous journalists achieve financial stability by allocating land to media houses at subsidized rates, an act that transformed the lives of many.
As we commemorate Arjun Singh’s birth anniversary, it’s essential to recognize his legacy as a leader who balanced strength with compassion and left an indelible mark on Madhya Pradesh and Indian politics.
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