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Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has hailed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the "most consequential" leader India has ever had, citing his legacy of integrity and governance. Her comments were made in an article published in The Indian Express following the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Singh in the coal block allocation case, a high-profile investigation into alleged corruption during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The ruling, delivered on July 29, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in India’s political landscape, ending years of scrutiny and criticism directed at Singh. Gandhi emphasized that Singh’s clean chit by the Supreme Court concluded a period of intense public debate over allegations of corruption, which she described as a "witch-hunt" against a man of "remarkable probity and integrity." She pointed to the court’s decision as a validation of Singh’s character, noting that the judiciary had rebuked lower courts for dismissing the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure reports without sufficient justification. This, she argued, underscored the lack of evidence against Singh and the flawed process that had targeted him. Her remarks also included a pointed critique of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing Singh’s prescient warning in January 2014 that having Modi as prime minister would be "disastrous for the country." Gandhi suggested that Singh’s prediction is now being borne out, particularly in light of Modi’s handling of political dissent and allegations of corruption. She referenced Modi’s recent comments on student protesters, in which he claimed to be "forgiving" those who had used abusive language against him during demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party. Gandhi implied that such leniency should extend to Modi himself, especially regarding his past criticisms of Singh. She accused Modi of playing a central role in orchestrating the campaign against Singh, pointing specifically to his controversial remarks in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2017, where he mocked Singh with a comment about "bathing with a raincoat on." Gandhi called this moment "the lowest point of our parliamentary history," suggesting that the attacks on Singh were part of a broader, organized effort involving elements of the bureaucracy, media, judiciary, civil society, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to Gandhi, the campaign against Singh was driven by a desire to divert attention from his administration’s achievements, including economic reforms that propelled India toward middle-income status. She highlighted the resilience of India’s economy during the 2008 global financial crisis, crediting Singh’s leadership for steering the nation through turbulent times. Despite changes in how India’s GDP growth is measured, she maintained that Singh’s tenure brought about unprecedented growth and investment, transforming the country’s economic trajectory. Gandhi also criticized the Modi government for its approach to corruption investigations, accusing it of misusing institutions like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI. She argued that the government often ignores credible allegations of corruption when they involve opposition figures but turns a blind eye when those same individuals join the ruling party. This double standard, she claimed, reflects a broader pattern of silencing critics or co-opting them into the BJP fold. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed similar sentiments, stating in a separate statement that the BJP owes an apology to Manmohan Singh for the sustained attacks on his character and reputation. While no direct link was established between Vijayan’s comments and Gandhi’s article, both reflect a growing sentiment within certain political circles that Singh’s legacy deserves recognition and respect. As the Supreme Court’s verdict continues to reverberate, the focus shifts to whether it will lead to a broader reassessment of the political narratives surrounding Singh’s tenure. With Modi’s government facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of corruption and dissent, the vindication of Singh could serve as a symbolic turning point in India’s political discourse.