PM Manmohan's sister-in-law lives quietly in Hubli. Her family, which runs an auto spares business, is as much Kannadiga as it is Punjabi
PM Manmohan's sister-in-law lives quietly in Hubli. Her family, which runs an auto spares business, is as much Kannadiga as it is Punjabi
Manmohan Singh's Kannada-speaking relatives in Hubli are hoping to make it to his swearing-in ceremony this time, having missed it in 2004. In turn, they'd love to host the prime minister and his wife for lunch or dinner with phulkas and chholey daal, which they relish. "Security, however, is a problem," said Harprith Kaur, the younger sister of Gursharan Kaur aka Mrs Manmohan Singh. "He and my sister have always wanted to come here and meet us but it is difficult and we have to understand."
The family remained glued to the TV as the results trickled in on Saturday, with Harprit sending up silent prayers. When the final results were announced, the family went to the gurudwara in Deshpande Nagar to offer special prayers.
Harprit also called Gursharan. "We speak to each other regularly," she said. "But, Saturday was special."
Singh is king
She said the UPA won because of Manmohan's dignified and simple personality. "The last time he became prime minister, it was a surprise. Now, it is a well-earned post. He has proved Singh is king. We are happy for him."
"The dignity and honesty of the Gandhi family suits the persona of Manmohan Singh. It is a great combination," she added.u00a0u00a0
PM's Kannadiga family
>>Harprit Kaur and Harnam Singh Kohli (65), who runs an automobile spare parts unit, have three sons and all live together as a joint family.
>>"We are 13 in the family," said Harmit Singh, the eldest son who looks after two restaurants along with his brothers. " We are proud of our uncle," he told MiD DAY.
>>The family speaks fluent Kannada with the sons having studied in a Kannada medium school.
>>"In all respects, we are Kannadigas," said Harmit. "Our mother struggles a bit, but we are all comfortable only in Kannada, after Punjabi."
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