Manmohan Hits Back: Never Used Office to Enrich Myself | Video

Following allegations by ex-TRAI Chairman Pradip Baijal in 2G case, Fmr PM Manmohan Singh hits back at Modi Govt.  
The Quint
Politics
Updated:
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hits back at Modi Govt. (Photo: Reuters)
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hits back at Modi Govt. (Photo: Reuters)
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In a big departure from his stand during the days of the UPA Govt, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lashed out at the Modi Govt for targeting him over charges of corruption.

In a scathing attack on the NDA regime, Manmohan Singh said that “institutions of democracy are under threat and the entire edifice of the welfare state is now being dismantled in the guise of promoting faster economic growth.”

As far as I am concerned, I can say in all humility that I have not used my public office to enrich myself, to enrich my family or my friends. And still the BJP government keeps on harping on this theme of corruption because it wants to distract the attention of the people to non-issues.

- Manmohan Singh, Fmr Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh’s outburst comes after former TRAI Chairman Pradip Baijal’s allegations that Singh had warned him of “harm” if he did not cooperate on 2G telecom licenses.

Baijal, who was probed for several years in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, also claimed that the CBI wanted him to “implicate” Arun Shourie and Ratan Tata in the case.

“NDA Repackaging UPA Programmes”

Taking on the Modi Govt, Manmohan Singh accused the Centre of taking credit for UPA schemes.

What the BJP had opposed when we were in power are now being sold as its contribution. There is fragileness in economic recovery under the current dispensation.

- Manmohan Singh, Fmr Prime Minister

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“Institutions of Democracy are Under Threat”

Taking the attack further, Manmohan Singh accused the Modi Govt of promoting a “highly biased and communal view.”

Dissent is being suppressed. Institutions of democracy are under threat. The entire edifice of the welfare state is now being dismantled in the guise of promoting faster economic growth, whereas they are two sides of the same coin.

- Manmohan Singh, Fmr Prime Minister

Following the Former Prime Minister’s attack, the BJP has lashed out at Manmohan Singh.

BJP President Amit Shah said Manmohan Singh and the Congress cannot escape corruption charges.

Here’s what he had to say.

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Published: 27 May 2015,01:41 PM IST

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