KP Singh: Politicians Should Have Been Friends Rather Than Business Partners

Politicians should have been friends rather than business partners: KP Singh.

When asked about his connections to and business dealings with politicians during his rise to prominence, DLF chairman emeritus KP Singh stated, “DLF has never crossed the line in doing business outside the law.”

Singh said a politician should be your buddy and well-wisher, not your business partner, citing his father’s advice that “politics and business don’t mix.” As evidence that politics and business are incompatible, Singh added that the most important lesson from his political ties was to avoid becoming overly involved.

The DLF patriarch also said the business doesn’t regret its arrangement with Robert Vadra, explicitly referring to the 2011 land transaction. “DLF would have lost much money without that deal,” Singh continued.

The agreement dates back to 2011, when campaigner Arvind Kejriwal, currently the chief minister of Delhi, accused Vadra of accepting a 65 crore rupee interest-free loan and making substantial property deals with DLF Ltd in exchange for political favours.

In response, DLF stated that it had done business with Vadra as a private businessman and that the loan was a “Business Advance” issued by customary business practices to pay for land that DLF had bought from Vadra. The company also claimed that there was no trade-off and did not give him a discount.

“Robert Vadra was a businessman then; he was not a politician. A businessman knows how to generate money. Vadra purchased land because he understood how it would be developed and because it was essential to us. “Regarding the DLF-Vadra land deal, Singh spoke up.

In addition, Singh said that given the problems at the time, “In the real estate business, we have to buy any plots of land that are either inside or are defacing your entry, regardless of who owns them. Politics are not involved…”

In addition, he noted that politicians had distorted the truth, saying, “We did our work perfectly, and there were no abnormalities with the firm.” The 92-year-old real estate mogul remarked, “Humko farak nahin pada…we are used to it.

The patriarch of DLF also provided a roadmap for transforming India into a global leader in infrastructure. He claimed that new cities and infrastructure must be built to achieve India’s $5 trillion GDP goal.

“Government should purchase land, and the private sector should develop the plot. Noida is a good illustration of why India needs new cities, “Singh declared.
He stressed the significance of the government acquiring land and selling it at auction to the private sector for township development.

The government, according to him, can buy land for highway infrastructure but not for townships. He also said that private industry should collaborate to construct townships.

Relating to KP Singh, a wealthy real estate developer from India

KP Singh, born on November 15th, 1931, joined DLF in 1961 after leaving an army assignment. Chaudhary Raghvendra Singh, his father-in-law, founded DLF in 1946.
With DLF, which built some of the most well-known residential colonies in Delhi, like Model Town, Rajouri Garden, South Extension, Greater Kailash, and Hauz Khas, he changed the rules and direction of the industry.

He led it to become India’s largest publicly listed real estate company, with residential, commercial, and retail properties in 15 states and 24 cities.

As Singh constructed his showpiece township DLF City by purchasing land from farmers, DLF developed Gurgaon, now known as Gurugram, on the outskirts of Delhi.

Several international and national honours, including the Padma Bhushan in 2010, were given to Singh for his contributions to the larger community and nation-building. In June 2020, after serving as chairman for over fifty years, he announced his resignation. His son Rajiv now oversees DLF.

As Singh constructed his showpiece township DLF City by purchasing land from farmers, DLF developed Gurgaon, now known as Gurugram, on the outskirts of Delhi.

Several international and national honours, including the Padma Bhushan in 2010, were given to Singh for his contributions to the larger community and nation-building. In June 2020, after serving as chairman for over fifty years, he announced his resignation. His son Rajiv now oversees DLF.

KP Singh says you can’t be the same after losing a 65-year relationship.

KP Singh, Chairman Emeritus of the DLF Group, said: “If you lose a partner of 65 years, you can’t be the same. His wife’s absence loomed relatively large as he discussed his career, company, and the reasoning behind his decisions, among other things.

“My marriage was beautiful. Not only was my wife, but she was also a fantastic, encouraging friend to me. Our chemistry was excellent. Together, we grew, “he stated.

As Singh’s wife Indira passed away in 2018 from cancer, he also decided to step back from active management. He mentioned how the first several years were lonely. “Even though we gave it our all, nothing could be done. What do you then? When you encounter a very lonely man, you become depressed. It is not permitted to impact how the business runs. “He explained his choice by saying.

He thinks that for the business to succeed, it’s critical to remain upbeat and active. Singh claimed he needed to step away from the active executive role to provide his best effort. “Naturally, you can’t be the same if your companion of 65 years passes away. You’re adopting new ideas. I, therefore, want to reorganise myself, “he stated.

Regarding the additional factor that led Singh to resign from DLF Ltd., Singh stated, “I firmly think that you must cease active management of a publicly traded company at the age of 90. Since many individuals continue working past their retirement age, I decided it was time for my son to take over and for me to become Emeritus.”

He also mentioned how losing a loved one might make things slower. He claimed your responses get slower when you lose a partner at 91. He laughed and said, “Not that I have slowed down, but I have slowed down regarding my responsibilities to the organisation.

“In reality, my son is doing a more excellent job than I am at leading the business ahead while upholding the same ideals. Therefore, I’m incredibly pleased, “he stated.

Singh stated that he wanted to take a break from his job and focus on what he enjoyed doing most in life. “I am highly connected to many people worldwide, including friends I want to visit. I play golf with dedication; I’m very active, “He continued, saying everything about this made sense.

When Singh found love again, he recalled how his wife had sat him down and urged him not to give up on life six months before her passing. “The biggest dream of a happily married couple is that they go together and no one is left behind,” she was quoted by him as saying.

“You are doing your best in this situation, but I’m leaving in just a few months even though you are trying your best. You will thus have a life after I am gone. Please give me one commitment. Build your life. Keep trying since giving up will not help. You won’t get a second chance at this life, “She informed him. And Singh still remembers these words.

For a year or two, he claimed he was pretty lonely. “I had the good fortune to meet my current partner, who is charming. Sheena is who she is. I now consider her one of the best people I have ever met. She is spirited. She constantly challenges me. She also has a fantastic group of pals that live worldwide. I thus follow them.

She urges me to move whenever I even cringe at wanting to pause. Therefore, she is primarily responsible for making me who I am today, “he stated.

About George Soros
He laughed and responded, “What is my age?” when asked if his most recent comments — regarding billionaire investor George Soros’ recent comment on the Adani-Hindenburg conflict and PM Narendra Modi — were a bit ageist.
He remarked: “I’m not as old as many people imagine. I’m active, that’s why.”