Former PM Denounces Modi’s Speeches as Divisive and Dehumanizing
30 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Veteran Congress leader and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh delivered a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election speeches on Thursday, describing them as a “narrative of dehumanisation.” Singh, known for his mild demeanor, expressed deep concern over the current political discourse during the elections.
“Modi ji has indulged in the most vicious form of hate speeches which are purely divisive in nature,” Singh stated. “He is the first PM to lower the dignity of public discourse and thereby the gravity of the office.” Addressing voters in Punjab, Singh emphasized that no Prime Minister before Modi has used such “hateful, unparliamentary, and coarse terms” to target specific sections of society or political opposition.
Singh further refuted allegations made against him by Modi, stating, “He also attributed some false statements to me. I have never in my life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of the BJP.” He lamented the peak of the “narrative of dehumanisation,” urging the nation to counter these divisive forces.
Highlighting the Congress party’s vision, Singh asserted that only Congress could ensure a growth-oriented, progressive future where democracy and the Constitution are safeguarded. He criticized the BJP government’s Agnipath scheme as “ill-conceived,” arguing that it undermines the values of patriotism, bravery, and service by limiting military service to just four years. “This shows their fake nationalism,” he alleged.
Singh also lauded the efforts of the previous UPA government in supporting farmers, citing a loan waiver worth Rs 72,000 crore benefiting 3.73 crore farmers, increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and enhanced agricultural production and exports. “All this resulted in the doubling of growth in agriculture during our period compared to the last 10 years,” he claimed. Singh emphasized the UPA’s commitment to the people of Punjab, underscoring their developmental initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Singh appealed for unity and called for saving the nation from the forces of discord, championing a vision of inclusive growth and democracy.