Manmohan Singh, who played a key role in ushering path-breaking reforms as finance minister to open up the Indian economy in 1991, became prime minister in 2004 after Congress president Sonia Gandhi declined to head a United Progressive Alliance government and made him a surprise choice of the party. - See more at: http://www.ummid.com/news/2013/May/21.05.2013/manmohan_as_pm.html#sthash.r9mtdWQ9.dpuf
Manmohan Singh, who played a key role in ushering path-breaking reforms as finance minister to open up the Indian economy in 1991, became prime minister in 2004 after Congress president Sonia Gandhi declined to head a United Progressive Alliance government and made him a surprise choice of the party.