Manmohan Singh Attacks PM Modi’s Language and Policies Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a heartfelt appeal to Punjab’s voters ahead of the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using hateful and unparliamentary language to target specific sections of society and the opposition. Singh’s letter is a call to action, a final effort to protect democracy and the Constitution from what he described as the repeated assaults of a despotic regime, a threat that cannot be ignored.
Accusations of Hate Speech
Manmohan Singh, with a heavy heart, expressed deep concern over the political discourse during the election campaign, particularly highlighting PM Modi’s speeches. “Modi ji has indulged in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive. He is the first prime minister to lower the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the prime minister,” Singh stated, emphasizing the severity of the accusations and the urgent need for unity and harmony.
He further criticized PM Modi for using hateful and coarse terms aimed at specific communities and the opposition. “No prime minister in the past has used such language. He has also falsely attributed statements to me. I have never singled out one community over another; that is solely the BJP’s approach,” said the senior Congress leader.
Controversy Over Statements
PM Modi had previously accused Singh of saying that Muslims have the “first right on the country’s resources,” a statement Singh vehemently denies.
Criticism of the Agniveer Scheme
Singh also criticized the BJP for the Agniveer Scheme imposed on the armed forces, calling it ill-conceived. He accused the BJP of undermining patriotism, bravery, and service by limiting these values to just four years, describing this approach as “fake nationalism.”
“Those who trained for regular recruitment feel betrayed by the outgoing regime. The youth of Punjab, especially sons of farmers dreaming of serving the motherland through the Armed Forces, now hesitate due to the 4-year stint limitation. The Agniveer Scheme endangers national security. But there is hope. Under my leadership, the Congress party has promised to abolish this scheme,“ Singh added, reiterating the promise to provide reassurance and hope to the audience.