In a strongly worded letter addressed to the citizens of India, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accused current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of engaging in divisive and vile rhetoric, thereby reducing the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office. Singh’s statements come in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and follow Modi’s contentious remarks about the previous Congress-led government.
Accusations of Divisive Rhetoric
Manmohan Singh, known for his mild-mannered and reserved demeanor, did not hold back in his critique of Modi. He expressed his concern over the nature of political discourse during the election campaign, describing Modi’s speeches as “vile hate speeches” and “downright divisive.” Singh asserted that Modi is the first Prime Minister to engage in such a manner, lowering the gravity and dignity of the office through the use of “unparliamentary and low-level language.”
Singh specifically refuted Modi’s claim that he had said Muslims have the first right to wealth, stating, “I have never distinguished one community from another. This is the special right and habit of BJP.” He further accused Modi of attributing false statements to him and emphasized that targeting specific sections of society with hateful language is unprecedented among previous Prime Ministers.
Appeal for Peace and Progress
In his letter, Singh appealed to the voters of Punjab, urging them to vote for development and coordinated progress. He emphasized the importance of voting for a party that respects constitutional provisions and ensures an ideal social order. “Only Congress can guarantee a development-led progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution will be protected,” Singh stated.
He also highlighted the significance of young voters making informed decisions. “I urge all young people to vote carefully and to vote for the future,” he said, stressing that the upcoming election is crucial for the nation’s trajectory.
Economic Critique
Singh, an economist of repute, did not shy away from criticizing the BJP government’s handling of the economy. He described the past decade as a period of “tremendous upheaval,” citing the negative impacts of demonetization, the mismanaged Goods and Services Tax (GST), and poor management during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Singh, these factors have created dire economic conditions.
“Below average 6-7 percent GDP growth has become normal under the BJP government, while it was around 8 percent during the Congress-UPA,” Singh noted. He also pointed out that household savings have plummeted to a historic low of 47 years, attributing this decline to the BJP’s economic policies.
Agricultural and Social Policies
Singh contrasted the BJP’s economic policies with those of the UPA government, highlighting the latter’s achievements in agriculture and social welfare. He mentioned the loan waiver worth Rs 72,000 crore provided to 3.73 crore farmers, increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and efforts to boost agricultural production and exports. “All this resulted in the doubling of growth in agriculture during our period as compared to the last 10 years,” he claimed.
He also criticized the BJP’s Agnipath scheme, which he described as “ill-conceived.” Singh argued that the scheme reflects the BJP’s “fake nationalism” and a misguided approach to patriotism, bravery, and service by limiting the value of these virtues to a four-year period.
Call for Democratic Values
Throughout his letter, Singh underscored the importance of democratic values and constitutional provisions. He warned against the forces of discord and emphasized the need to protect the nation’s democracy. “The narrative of dehumanization has reached its peak. It is now our duty to save our beloved nation from these forces of discord,” he stated.
Singh’s letter serves as a call to action for voters to prioritize peace, harmony, and development in the upcoming elections. He reiterated that only the Congress party can ensure a progressive future where democracy and constitutional values are upheld.
Manmohan Singh’s letter is a significant critique of Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister, highlighting concerns over divisive rhetoric, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of democratic values. As the Lok Sabha elections approach their final phase, Singh’s appeal to voters underscores the critical choices facing the electorate in shaping the future of India.
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