New Delhi: Former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh on Thursday stated that the “Prime Minister-ship” is indeed a position of unique dignity. He then questioned his successor Narendra Modi’s conduct, in which he blames prior regimes for the adverse consequences of his decisions.
“My clear belief is that the Prime Minister’s post has exceptional dignity and laying the blame on history doesn’t lessen your own crimes,” Singh said in a video message to voters in Punjab where elections will be held on Sunday.
In one of the most thorough yet comprehensive critiques of the Modi government in recent time, the former Prime Minister addressed the present government’s economic decline, stating that the situation was exceedingly concerning for foreign ties as well as social peace.
Mr Singh also referred to Modi’s “quiet” remark about then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012. Mr Singh, who has been praised by foreign leaders for his economic ideas, alluded to the description (Modi had referred to him as “Maun-Mohan”) at a time when the incumbent Prime Minister has remained silent on several sensitive issues, including China.
“Apart from the severe impact of the corona, people are distressed because of short-sighted policies of the central government which caused an economic slide, rising prices and unemployment. On the other hand, our rulers today are trying to blame the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, for the people’s miseries instead of acknowledging their own mistakes in the last seven-and-a-half years and taking corrective steps.”
Mr Singh, who had famously predicted that Modi would be a disaster as Prime Minister, said: “Discharging my responsibilities as Prime Minister for 10 years, I let my work speak instead of speaking out myself. I never divided the country for political gains; never tried to hide the truth and never lowered the dignity of the post. Despite the challenges, I always raised the prestige of India and Indians on the international stage.”
He added: “I feel content that the good work done between 2004 and 2014 is now being fondly remembered and the false allegations levelled by the BJP and its B and C teams of being weak, corrupt and ‘Maun-Mohan today lie exposed before the nation.”
Despite the BJP’s repeated claims of corruption against the UPA administration, nothing has come of it after seven years. The biggest “scam” that slandered the UPA rule was exposed in court.
“Iss sarkar ki Niti aur neeyat dono mein khot hai,” Mr Singh continued, referring to the Modi government (Both policies and intent of this government are flawed). Every policy has a vested interest; hate and division are the driving forces behind it. To promote their narrow political goals, people are being divided based on caste, religion, and location. Individuals are set against one another.”
He also declared: “This government’s nationalism is not only hollow; it is dangerous as well. Their nationalism rests on the British divide-and-rule policy. This government doesn’t have faith in the Constitution, which is the basis of our democracy. Democratic institutions are being constantly weakened.”
“This government has failed on the foreign policy front,” the former Prime Minister remarked, emphasising that the difficulties were not limited to the country’s domestic affairs. For the past year, the Chinese military has been occupying our territory. The government is attempting to conceal the situation. Our old pals are abandoning us, and our relationships with our neighbours are deteriorating. I trust the rulers have realised by now that forcing leaders to hug, making them enjoy swings (“jhoola jhulane”), or travelling to their nations unannounced to eat biryani does not help relations with foreign countries.”
Underscoring the futility of deceptive politics, Singh said: “The government should realise changing appearances does not change the character. Truth manifests itself, in one form or the other. It is easy to indulge in lofty talk but difficult to implement them.”
“Some days ago, the BJP tried to smear chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and the people of Punjab in the name of the Prime Minister’s security,” he stated, insisting that only the Congress can lead Punjab out of its current dilemma. This cannot be considered a good precedent. We watched how Punjab and Punjabiyat were demonised even during the farmers’ movement. What was not stated about the Punjabis, whose patriotism and valour are admired all across the world? The chain of events saddened me as a true Punjabi and Indian.”
Mr Singh’s name appears on the list of top campaigners in every election-bound state, but he hasn’t campaigned because of his poor health. The Congress is hoping that his plea will help the people of Punjab, where the party is fighting a resurgent AAP.
The Congress has expended all of its resources in the state for the final phase of campaigning, with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigning nonstop on Thursday.
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