Lord Mayo vs Pritam Singh

Mayo implemented financial reforms to reduce the Indian budget deficit, including increasing taxes and cutting expenditures. He also established a famine relief system, creating a Famine Code and setting aside funds for relief works. These measures aimed to mitigate the impact of recurring famines in India.

Mayo supported the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which significantly reduced travel time between Britain and India. He promoted Indian trade and agriculture, including the expansion of tea, coffee, and cotton cultivation. These efforts aimed to integrate India more closely into the global economy.

Lord Mayo was assassinated on February 8, 1872, by Sher Ali Afridi, a convict from the Andaman Islands, while visiting the penal settlement at Port Blair. The assassination was motivated by personal grievances. Mayo was the only Viceroy of India to be assassinated in office.

Mayo visited the Andaman Islands penal colony in February 1872 to inspect conditions. During this visit, he was assassinated by Sher Ali Afridi. The visit was intended to assess the administration of the penal settlement, but it ended tragically, leading to increased security measures for future viceroys.

Singh was first elected to Parliament as a member of the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency, defeating the PAP team. The Workers' Party retained the GRC in subsequent elections.

Singh was elected Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, succeeding Low Thia Khiang. He led the party through internal reforms and electoral campaigns.

Pritam Singh was formally appointed as Singapore's first official Leader of the Opposition, a newly created role. He led the Workers' Party in Parliament, holding the government accountable.

Under Singh's leadership, the Workers' Party retained Aljunied GRC and won a second GRC, Sengkang, in the 2020 general election. The party increased its parliamentary seats to 10.