A vote for `Mr Clean'

22 May 2009

The unexpected win of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance in the elections to the 15th Lok Sabha was clearly a vote for the  'Mr Clean' in Indian politics – Dr Manmohan Singh.

Millions of voters have reposed their faith in the leadership of the man who helped unshackle the Indian economy through major economic reforms and put it in the growth path.

The soft-spoken Manmohan Singh, who was sworn in today as prime minister for a second consecutive term, has also made it clear that his mandate is for good governance and that his choice of ministers will be based on performance and accountability.

The 76-year-old Manmohan combines an economist's expertise and a politician's ability to execute ideas and has held practically every important position dealing with the nation's economy and financial management.

Born on 16 September 1932 in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Manmohan Singh, MA, D.Phil (Oxford), D Litt (Honoris Causa), studied at Panjab, Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Married in September 1958, he has three daughters - Upender, Daman and Amrit.