In a letter addressed to the voters of Punjab prior to the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, expressed his concern over the usage of derogatory and inappropriate language by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy and the Constitution from the continuous attacks of an authoritarian regime that seeks to establish a dictatorship in India.
Singh strongly criticized PM Modi for engaging in hate speeches of the utmost severity, asserting that such rhetoric has undermined the integrity of public discussions. “Throughout this election campaign, I have closely observed the political discourse. Modi ji has resorted to the most malicious form of hate speeches, which are solely aimed at dividing the society. Modi ji is the first Prime Minister to diminish the dignity of public discourse, consequently diminishing the significance of the Prime Minister’s position,” Singh declared.
The senior Congress leader expressed that no previous prime minister has used such offensive, disrespectful, and vulgar language, aimed at targeting a specific group of society or the opposition. He also claimed that false statements were attributed to him. He emphasized that he has never discriminated against any community. He stated that such behavior is characteristic of the BJP. PM Modi alleged that Singh had stated that Muslims have the “first right on the country’s resources”. The former prime minister also condemned the BJP for implementing the Agniveer Scheme in the armed forces, criticizing it as poorly thought out. He accused the BJP of devaluing patriotism, courage, and service by reducing their importance to just four years, denouncing what he referred to as “fake nationalism”.
Individuals who underwent training for standard enlistment were severely let down by the previous administration. The young people of Punjab, the offspring of farmers, who aspire to serve their country through the military, are now reconsidering signing up for a 4-year term. The Agniveer Scheme poses a threat to National Security. Consequently, the Congress party has pledged to eliminate the Agniveer Scheme,” he stated.