PM's speech takes oblique dig at BJP and Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday urged people to defeat communal forces in everyday life and in elections in remarks that were read as being directed at the BJP and its likely prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi. Although Singh's comments came while speaking at the award function for the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award - an occasion not associated with politics - the reference was seen in the context of rising BJP-Congress frictions. The PM made a similar reference during his Independence Day speech that officials said did not pertain specifically to one party but came in the backdrop of clashes in Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir and Nawada in Bihar. On Tuesday, the PM pointedly referred to defeating communal forces in elections — an emphasis read in the context of the challenge posed to him by Modi and BJP's attacks on Singh in Parliament over Coalgate and other issues. In his speech "countering" the PM on the Independence Day, Modi had launched a harsh attack on the government. Singh referred to the Kishtwar violence in particular, saying, "A few days back, there was communal violence in the country. From that we should take lessons that we should not slack in our efforts to stop communal forces." BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi responded to Singh's speech, saying the PM should first introspect as most communal riots have happened when Congress has been in power. The PM made his speech in the presence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi while the award was given to sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali. The PM said, "India is a vast modern nation. Along with several religions, it has several languages and sects. Many times, this diversity is exploited to create a divide among us...We have to oppose such communal forces all the time, at all levels, whether it is daily life or elections." He underlined that "it is the responsibility of all political parties, all sections of the society and duty of all of us to ensure that such efforts are defeated." The PM stressed the country's secular tradition and music as a unifying force. "Music transcends religion, language, culture and creed and unites. Through his music, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has spread the message of secularism across the world," said Singh. In her speech, Gandhi said division and discrimination in society hampers progress and development. "Rajiv Gandhi dreamt of an India where brotherhood and amity prevailed," she said. The "real tribute" to Rajiv Gandhi would be promotion of communal harmony and ensuring "there is never mistrust for each other and nobody is able to create a divide among us", said Singh. TOI