'Anguished' Manmohan responds to Modi: Did not discuss Gujarat polls
December 11, 2017  17:27
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Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's statement on PM Modi's allegations at an election rally that there was an attempt by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls. Modi alleged that Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had held a meeting at his house which was attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, a former Indian vice president, Pakistan's high commissioner in India, and a former Pakistani foreign minister.

Dr Singh issued this statement today: "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 PM Shri Narendra Modi.

"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 Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Fearing imminent defeat in Gujarat, the desperation of the Prime Minister to hurl every abuse and latch on to every straw is palpable. Sadly & regrettably, Shri 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.

"The Congress Party needs no sermons on "Nationalism" from a party and Prime Minister, whose compromised track record on fighting terrorism is well known.

"Let remind Shri Narendra 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.

"My track record of public service to the country over the last five decades is known to everyone. No one, including Shri Modi, can  lamely question it to gain lost political ground.

"I reject the innuendos and falsehoods as I did not discuss Gujarat elections with anyone else at the dinner hosted by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar as alleged by Shri Modi.

"Nor was the Gujarat issue raised by anyone else present at the dinner. The discussion was confined to India Pakistan relations.    

"Names of the distinguished Indian public servants and journalists present at the dinner are enclosed to this statement. None of them could be accused of indulging in any anti-national activities.

"I sincerely hope that 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."
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