India

From Congress Insider To Outsider: Why Was Natwar Singh Ignored By The Congress?

Natwar Singh’s life was a tale of grandeur and complexity, marked by his transformation from a cherished member of Congress’s inner circle to a figure largely estranged from the party. A man of many talents, Singh was a royal, a diplomat with a sharp wit, and a politician closely associated with four generations of the Gandhi family, starting with Jawaharlal Nehru. Despite his significant achievements, his passing at the age of 93 was overshadowed by the controversies that marred his later years.

Natwar Singh, who once enjoyed unparalleled access to the upper echelons of Congress, eventually became known more for his bitter fallout with the Gandhi family than for his illustrious career. His journey from a celebrated diplomat to a disgraced politician defined the narrative of his obituaries. Singh, who had served in key diplomatic positions in China, the US, Pakistan, and the UK, was deeply embedded in the fabric of Congress. He was close to Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and later Sonia Gandhi. However, the turning point in his career came with the Volcker Report, which alleged that Singh had benefited from the UN’s ‘Oil for Food’ program through his connections with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Must Read: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Refutes Resignation Rumors Of Mother, Says They Are ‘Completely False’

The allegations, which surfaced during the early days of the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh, sparked a political storm. Singh was accused of using his position to benefit his son and his son’s friend, charges that were “corroborated” by Aniel Matherani, who was then India’s ambassador to Croatia. Despite Singh’s denials and his insistence that Congress was also implicated in the Volcker report, the damage was done. Singh left both the government and the party, quickly becoming an outcast. The Justice RS Pathak Committee reportedly placed responsibility on Singh, although he maintained that he had been exonerated.

In his later years, Singh’s bitterness became apparent in his public remarks, particularly those directed at Sonia Gandhi and other members of the Gandhi family. Despite this, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to Singh upon his passing, acknowledging his contributions to India’s diplomacy and external affairs. “Our deepest condolences on the passing away of Former Union minister K Natwar Singh. An acclaimed intellectual and a Padma Bhushan recipient, he made a profound contribution to India’s diplomacy and external affairs,” Kharge wrote on X.

Jairam Ramesh also praised Singh’s legacy, stating, “He was truly someone who has left behind his ‘footprints on the sands of time.” Natwar Singh’s life remains a testament to the complexities of political loyalty and the personal consequences of public scandal.

Also Read: Rwanda: Kagame Sworn In For Fourth Presidential Term After Landslide Victory

Priyanka Koul

Recent Posts

Who Is Daniel Duggan? Ex Fighter Pilot Accused Of Training Chinese Military To Be Extradited To US

Australia's Attorney General has confirmed that Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine accused of training…

49 seconds ago

Hyderabad Court Grants Bail To 6 Accused In Vandalism At Allu Arjun’s House

Six individuals who allegedly damaged actor Allu Arjun's residence in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills were granted…

3 mins ago

Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana Registration Starts Today, Know How To Register

Kejriwal personally began the registration campaign by visiting homes across Delhi, kicking off a door-to-door…

8 mins ago

Why Trump Wants to Buy Greenland After Warning About Regaining Control of the Panama Canal

President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed his desire for the United States to take…

36 mins ago

BJP MLAs Move Delhi HC Again To Table CAG Reports

Several Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs from Delhi have approached the Delhi High Court, urging the…

43 mins ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: Digital Khoya-Paya Centers With Top Notch Tech Will Make Sure There Is No More ‘Bichre Bhai’

With these technological advancements, Maha Kumbh 2025 is poised to become a landmark event, prioritizing…

52 mins ago