New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS): A "deeply pained and anguished" former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading "falsehood and canards" in a desperate bid to win the Gujarat election and asked him to "apologize to the nation".
In an unusually hard-hitting statement, Manmohan Singh denied allegations by Modi that he and others, including former Vice President Hamid Ansari and former Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor, invited to a dinner at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's residence with Pakistani diplomats discussed the Gujarat election.
"I am deeply pained and anguished by the falsehood and canards being spread to score political points in a lost cause by none less than ... Modi," the senior Congress leader said.
"Fearing imminent defeat in Gujarat, desperation of the Prime Minister to hurl every abuse and latch on to every straw is palpable.
"Sadly and regrettably, Modi is setting a dangerous precedent by his insatiable desire to tarnish every Constitutional office including that of a former Prime Minister and Army Chief," Manmohan Singh added.
The statement follows Modi's allegations at an election rally in Gujarat that guests at Aiyar's house, including Manmohan Singh, Ansari and Gen. Kapoor, discussed the Gujarat polls with Pakistan's High Commissioner to India and a former Pakistani Foreign Minister, Khurshid Kasuri, among others, suggesting that the Congress was conspiring with Pakistani leaders to prevent the BJP from winning the election in the state.
"(On one hand) Pakistan Army's former DG is interfering in Gujarat's election and on the other Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house," Modi said.
Manmohan Singh made public the guest list at Aiyar's in Delhi. Those present included former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh, former Foreign Secretary Salman Haider, former High Commissioners of India to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan, Satinder K. Lambah, Sharad Sabharwal and M.K. Bhadrakumar and India's former Permanent Representative to the UN, C.R. Gharekhan.
Also present in the meeting were academician Kanti Bajpai and journalists Prem Shankar Jha, Ajai Shukla and Rahul Singh.
"I reject the innuendos and falsehoods as I did not discuss Gujarat elections with anyone else at the dinner hosted by Aiyar as alleged by Modi. Nor was the Gujarat issue raised by anyone else present at the dinner," Manmohan Singh said.
"The discussion was confined to India-Pakistan relations," he added.
Manmohan Singh said the Congress needed "no sermons on 'nationalism' from a party and Prime Minister whose compromised track record on fighting terrorism is well known.
"Let me remind Modi that he had gone to Pakistan uninvited after the terrorist attacks in Udhampur and Gurdaspur. Let him also tell the country the reason for inviting the infamous ISI of Pakistan to our strategic air base in Pathankot to investigate a terror attack that emanated from Pakistan."
Manmohan Singh went on: "I sincerely hope that the Prime Minister will show the maturity and gravitas expected of the high office he holds instead of concentrating his energy solely on erroneously conceived brownie points.
"I sincerely hope that he will apologize to the nation for his ill thought transgression to restore the dignity of the office he occupies."
The Congress also demanded an apology from Modi for accusing it of "colluding and conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat elections".
"We have full faith that the Gujarat electorate is intelligent and mature enough to understand the tactics behind yesterday's address (by Modi) and will answer them in the second phase," Congress leader Anand Sharma told the media here.
"It was not a secret meeting.... The Prime Minister is giving it a sinister and sensational twist. The Prime Minister should restore the dignity of political discourse, and apologise to the former Vice President and the former Prime Minister.
"It is clear that he has done so with the intent to confuse and mislead the people of Gujarat for the second phase of the elections, to whip emotions and to polarize. It is outrageous."
But the BJP questioned why it took the Congress over 48 hours to accept that a "hush hush" meeting with the Pakistani envoy and a former Pakistani Minister took place.
"Why was the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) India not in the loop? Why do Congress leaders meet China and Pakistan envoys secretly?" BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narasimha Rao asked.
Pakistan also rebuffed the allegations of a secret meeting between Congress leaders and its High Commissioner, saying India should stop "dragging" Islamabad into its electoral debate and termed Modi's remark as "baseless and irresponsible".
Comment on this article
dt, India
Tue, Dec 12 2017The one thing that I really appreciate about Singh sir is that, he was the one who had the courage to face the world and the World bank, when India was going through a debt -trap like scenario. He had the courage to open up the economy to the world and ensure that Indians are still secured.
Had congress FM, Chidambram Sir, not allowed heavy discounts on Imports of computers & mobile phones, The today's Digital India move would not have been possible.
There are many thanks and hats off to many people of all parties across country for their good and excellent deeds. However, it feels and hurts when some respected politicians and leaders cross all lines of communication and allegations and language just to gain some political or other gain and repeatedly say that we want to eliminate a particular group/party/sect/community.
Freedom, secularism, Privacy were the key elements that attracted others to this country. Hope they still remain priority of policy makers
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John R Lobo, Kaikamba / Mangalore
Tue, Dec 12 2017The most bundle baaz and Nautanki leaders of New era.
1.Selling tea - Fake news.
2.Degree - Fake.
3.Kissing staircase of Parliament House in the first day - Draama in front of press.
4.Half time foreign tour and Half time Election rallies.
5.When MP's are busy with Demonetization debate in Lok sabha, our Feku was absent ( to avoid / evade the Question's from Opposition party leaders )
Now BJP Govt in center want to do the surgical strike on our hard earned deposit in Banks Via FRDI Act.
But Blind Bakhth least bothered.....Becoz they will get promised 15 lacs....
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Vijay, Mangalore
Tue, Dec 12 2017Educated slap! Thanks MMS
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Kiran D Souza, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Manmohan Singh says that all the scams happened under his rule are legal, bound by the Constitution.
Congress is utilising him at opportune time since they don't have a credible face to show to the present PM.
Desperate Congress Party.... Pathetic situation for Congress....
Congress will not & can not win Gujarath, they are just wasting time & energy.
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Charles L D'Souza, Mulki/KSA
Tue, Dec 12 2017Dear Kiran
You say that MMS has given free hand to loot the country. As far as I know, during Congress rule, whenever there has been unearthing of scams by its allies, he has taken prompt action by removing the ministers and initiated inquiries against them. It is the unfortunate situation of Congress that it had to depend on coalition. However, your BJP party does not initiate inquiries or take action, and contrary to taking action, it manages to issue clean chits to all its tainted leaders.
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Rajesh, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017MMS was the most useless prime minister of India. despite huge scams under his very nose, he did nothing. Now telling he is holier and should not be questioned.
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Swamy, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017You are absolutely right Dr Manmohan Singh. All issues are democratically debated and discussed with transparency in the parliament and agreed upon with by taking opposition into confidence, hence there is no question about MMS public service. Now if BJP wants to hoodwink what they are aware and agreed upon and just want to talk about issues just for the sake of it then even they are responsible for it. Frustration because no other substantia, unique and patented indegenious issues to be proud of.
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Kiran D Souza, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017MMS is the most Corrupt PM in the history of India, but a good actor of innocence...
He may not have indulged in Corruption, but he gave free hand to corrupts to loot the Country never before....
Congress has utilised this innocent face to loot from 2004 to 2014, Ten long years....
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sharan, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Why isn't your BJP Gov't lead by Modi not taking any action against MMS on corruption grounds?? Don't hurl accusations without evidence or answers.If you don't have answers you are wrong in your accusations.
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Khursheed, Abu Dhabi
Mon, Dec 11 2017Next PM Modi needs surgical treatment....
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Ravi C, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Those who talk about corruptions, scams etc. during UPA rule, should request their master to arrest all who involved in corruption and put them behind bars permanently. I think this is what even Modi also promised during 2014 election. Otherwise we will keep reading the same story about UPA corruption every time and will never end.
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Rathnakara A, Shirva
Mon, Dec 11 2017A person who didn''t speak a word when so many scams were happening under his NOSE, it is a Surprise he is opening his mouth to defend the illegal meeting with enemy country delegates without informing the PM/Home Ministry !!!???
Congress should explain why the meeting did not take place openly with everyoneâ s knowledge! Where is the need for secrecy? Can MMS explain.
What are you doing there Mr EX-PM? Went to discuss how are things at Pakistan? Shame on you guys ...............and now you caught so you are deeply pained..............
Don''t believe the Raincoat Man. He is just a puppet. His lips move but the voice is that of an Italian ventriloquist. He has already proved his credentials as the mum man during the free-for-all mega-scam days.
It make more sense if he was deeply pained while country was looted by various scams right under his noose and he was enjoying comfort and luxuries as PM. In 10 years he was the dumbest PM but suddenly got voice to speak. May be still he is re-paying Gandhi family debt.
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Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Mon, Dec 11 2017Narendra Modi's statement about selling tea on Railway Platform is also FAKE ...
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G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Modiji has become Desperate. Hard days a head.
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pradeep, Kerala
Mon, Dec 11 2017Totally agree with our Ex PM Manmohan Singh. If our present Prime Minister had even 10 percent values and credibility of our Ex PM, our country would not be in the sad state of affairs it is in now.
Humility and integrity gain victory over pride and arrogance.
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Ramesh S, MANGALORE
Mon, Dec 11 2017...MMS conveniently escapes showing innocence..During MMS era corruption reached so dangerous level that Air force chief is running courts , arrested & bailed..National security Advisor caught in corruption(escaped arrest since he was Governor)..NSG cheif was caught in corruption..these people are backbone of National security..didnt it endangered National security of the Nation...and MMS says no one can question him & patriotism!!..
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Vivek, Hirebyle / Abu dhabi
Mon, Dec 11 2017I Agree with Man Mohan Singh ......only his Mistake is He did not Give Fake Promises ......so Bhakts Disappointed...Including Once Upon a time Tea boy ...
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mohan sr., Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Because of this BJP surly India will heading towards civil war in near future ......,
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The Guru, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017So you mean to say scams done under your leadership is legible
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Dinesh, Dubai
Mon, Dec 11 2017Mr.manmohana we realy thank our PM modiji for his Public service from last three years india is emergimg worlds powerful country.
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Rita, Germany
Tue, Dec 12 2017@Dinesh Dubai,in what?in rape cases,?or cow sheds?or cowmeat exports?
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Ramesh S, MANGALORE
Mon, Dec 11 2017Yes, thats exactly we as citizen find difficulty with Congress leaders..MODI is responsible for everything as a CM/PM..but Congress leaders not responsible for Kashmir, Sikh killings,hundreds of terror attacks, mumbai bombing..you are PM Mr.MMS when 26/11 happened, you are PM when when billions of scams happened, you are coal minister when millions scammed, your secretary out on bail...but no one can question you!!..you may be a learned economist, you may be clean but it doesnt make you shrug of responsibility..you are answerable/accountable..you are lucky, no one questiosn you..as once MODI said in parliament, Congress is like death, never gets a bad name..
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Ivar, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Mr. Ex-Prime Minister,
What happened to the 'dignity of the office' which you held as a Prime Minister when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore down the ordinance passed by your dignified office and later you withdrew the ordinance??!!!
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PAM Suvarna, karla
Mon, Dec 11 2017Maunamohan Sir,
You are very sincere,obedient,and trust worthy guy but you failed to show your these qualities to public instead lead your PM term with shy,fear and as just a toy! in the hands of your party president that nature is not accepted by mass public.
You supposed to discharged your duty without any fear and shy,then would your name flourished to much more.
Anyway now just get nice rest time sir.
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sharan, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Haven't you heard that empty vessels make the most noise? Modi is that vessel.Kannada proverb says " thumbida koda thulukuvudilla".That's MMS.🙏.When the cheap Namo takes the highest chair of the country to the lowest level even MMS is forced to react.
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G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Silence is the best medicine. Not talking too much like Modiji.
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Declan, Mumbai
Mon, Dec 11 2017Dr. Manmohan Singh former PM of India speaks little but when he speaks it sounds like the ROAR OF A LION. Read his above statement to understand this. A true Sardar, a true Singh !
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santhu birve, Mumbai/Udupi
Mon, Dec 11 2017What about Italian madam sir? served 10 years being remote control. you can never compete with MODI like personality.
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David Pais, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017i c 1nly municipality not personality.
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Jenifer, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Santhu,
As per your comment, MMS served the Italian Madam and the ruling was actually by the Italian Madam. Well, we see that the economy and GDP then was quite good than the single handed ruling by one of us, an Indian PM.
Don't you agree then, that Italian was more efficient in running the finances of the nation ? If you disagree, give credit to the Bureaucrat/economist (who several times told that Soniaji never interfered with the administration) for his efficiency and let Modi own up that is incapable of the position granted to him by the citizens of the nation.
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shailu, kolkatta
Mon, Dec 11 2017MaunMohanji you were pradhan sevak of hindustan but still you are pradhan sevak of dynast better to be a chai wala and dynamic nationalist than being a economist and being a spineless sycophant to dynast who are communal and people who sold the country
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Mohan. Kottari, Mlre
Mon, Dec 11 2017Modi only knowz fake things. He is jumla baji PM. He only knows bhshans fake. He is package of fake. He loves business man ..hatez farmer. He is nothing front of manmihan singh...a just kid..no education back ground. Fake degree
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mohan sr., Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017Very sad ...... One can feel the pain of a sinciare and hard worked person who seved india from decad,s and brought the Indian Economy such great level........ ...
This BJP is looted India and its people in three years ... at such level that congress cannot do in next 100 years.....
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Ahmed K.C., Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017How many of our brave soldiers lost lives after surgical attacks ?????
Credit goes to one and only Maharaj.
He has to answer to the parents who lost her son.
He has to answer to the brothers and sisters who lost her brother.
He has to answer the wives who lost their husbands.
He has to answer the kids who lost their father.
Kabhi chaay pe charcha tho kabhi gaay pe kharcha.
Most of the time either out of country or in election campaigns.
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Declan, Mumbai
Mon, Dec 11 2017Nicely written.
Please also spare a thought for the men who have lost their lives by mob lynching just because of the community they belong to. They too had parents, brothers, sisters and children. Who will dry their tears now ? Thanks to Modi government for turning a blind eye and giving only lip service.
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Gabriel, sagar
Mon, Dec 11 2017Statesman remembered for scores of generations, but the Politicians have to struggle to survive from election to election. Dr. Manmohan, You are a Statesman.
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Deva, Pilar
Mon, Dec 11 2017Mr. Manmohan Singh is true leader never made false promises to win Election .. we salute you Sir..
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Declan, Mumbai
Mon, Dec 11 2017Singh is King !
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Deva, Pilar
Mon, Dec 11 2017Indeed true King...
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Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait
Mon, Dec 11 2017Modi is inviting troubles.
He always utters, from the Heart and does not use Mind.
What goes up has to come down.
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Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah
Mon, Dec 11 2017Heart always tells l truth...Mind tells 100 stories..Mind is a tricky one...Never follow mind..Follow your heart always...
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abdul hameed, krishnapura- mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017our Prime Minister dont know how to rule, well experienced in false promise. worried about Gujrath elections.not easy to rule the nation,he ruled only small gujarath. nw totally upset.
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shailu, kolkatta
Mon, Dec 11 2017No one was doubting you till sometime ago but not now its clear you are complicit in all corrupt and anti national affairs of the dynasts in fact the person who willing supports wrongdoing is himself guilty too infact its high time you confess "If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong."
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Ronald D, Udupi
Mon, Dec 11 2017He always spoke less and worked more that brought prosperity to India! Latter is more of bla bla...and down the line resorting to violence to mislead!! Matter of time before people realize....false promises and talks will not last long!!
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Hussain, Abu Dhabi
Mon, Dec 11 2017Modi needs an dictionary to understand what Mr. Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed to him...!!
He understands only CHUTKULES.
MMS shows Modi how to "BEHAVE" like an PM ..!! Well said sir
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Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah
Mon, Dec 11 2017Mr Moun Mohan Singh has started talking...Sir...Your public service is really Great...We,Indians have not forgotten your name in Coal Scam..2G scam..CWG Scam...Your contribution in above scams brought Legend Congress Party to earn only 44 seats..
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Veena, Mangalore/Sharjah
Mon, Dec 11 2017Silence is a language too.
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Reshmi Salian, Mangalore
Tue, Dec 12 2017Why Modi is not taking any action against corrupt congress??? Is he scared or doesn't have guts or he has to save corrupt in BJP???
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santhosh poojary, udupi
Mon, Dec 11 2017He is started to Speak now.............................../
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Jenifer, Mangalore
Mon, Dec 11 2017The PM has been behaving like quarreling street women just to assure himself that Gujarat is in BJP's pocket for one more term.
Mr. Modi should gracefully apologize for the false allegations and slur he has been hurling at the opposition party for his own selfish gain.
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