Manmohan Singh Fondness for Maruti 800 over BMW

Late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was open about his fondness for his Maruti 800 over BMWs meant for PMs. He felt Maruti 800 was ‘his car’.

This was revealed by his bodyguard during Dr Singh’s term as the prime minister of India.

Former IPS officer Asim Arun and present Kannauj MLA revealed that Dr Singh would lovingly look at the humble Maruti 800 parked behind the gleaming BMWs meant for his official trips.

Arun further recalled that whenever he would walk by the car, Dr Singh would say, ‘I don’t like this car (BMW). That one is my vehicle’ with a sense of belonging (Maruti).

At the time, Maruti 800 was the car that Dr Singh owned. It showcased his middle class grounding Arun said.

When told BMWs were chosen for security reasons, Dr Singh continued to express his fondness for Maruti 800 as though he had to take care of the common man.

It was a symbol of his identity as a man of the people, Arun adds, now a minister of state in Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Singh’s love for his unassuming Maruti 800 showed his simplicity and his oneness with the ordinary man.

Arun further added that Dr Singh was disciplined, punctual and a man who was always a student.

Late Dr Singh showed that humility and simplicity could co-exist with great power and position.