Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday criticised the Narendra Modi government over its alleged failures on economic and foreign policies.
In a video message shared by the Congress in the run-up to the Punjab assembly election, Manmohan alleged the BJP tried to “dishonour” Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
Manmohan was quoted by ANI as saying, “People are remembering our (Congress’s) good work. They (BJP) tried to dishonour Punjab CM and people of the state over PM Modi's security issue. Rich people are getting richer while the poor people are getting poorer.”
Manmohan also referred to the standoff with China over Ladakh. “They (BJP government) have no understanding of economic policy. The issue is not limited to the nation. This government has also failed on foreign policy. China is sitting at our border and efforts are being made to suppress it,” Manmohan said.
Manmohan also took a jibe at Modi for his 'surprise' visit to Pakistan in December 2015 for the wedding of the granddaughter of then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. “Relationships do not improve by giving hugs to politicians, or by going to eat biryani without invitation. Their nationalism is based on the British's divide and rule policy. Constitutional institutions are being weakened,” Manmohan said.
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Manmohan was quoted by The Tribune as saying “Today’s circumstances are worrisome. Due to faulty policies of the government during Covid times, people are anguished by a shrinking economy, rising prices and joblessness. But the incumbent government, despite ruling for seven years, instead of accepting and correcting its mistakes, is busy blaming Jawaharlal Nehru for the problems. I believe the position of the PM has a special significance and you cannot escape your sins by blaming history or the country.”
Manmohan urged people in Punjab to vote for the Congress, arguing it was the only party that could address issues of development, farmers' welfare and unemployment.
