Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs cryptic remarks,which were construed as an indication of his readiness for a third term,was not an exercise in self-projection but a calculated move to put a lid on the fractious debate over the partys PM candidate in 2014 elections.
Congress sources said the PMs statement had the backing of party chief Sonia Gandhi who was upset by recent attempts by some leaders to undermine the authority of the PM by engaging in a debate on the partys next PM candidate.
When the PM was asked if he would accept the top job if the Congress were to form the next government,he said it was a hypothetical question and maintained,We will cross the bridge when we reach there.
His remarks were interpreted as his readiness for the third term as PM.
On Friday,party leaders were circumspect in their reaction to his remarks. He has articulated a position. There is nothing to add or subtract from it, said Iamp;B Minister Manish Tewari. The statement itself is very clear. No clarification is needed. Till 2014,Manmohan Singh is our PM, said Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi.
Sources sought to draw a parallel between Manmohan Singhs latest comment and Atal Behari Vajpayees famous neither tired,nor retired remark in 2003 when the then PM faced a strong pitch by some in his party to project L K Advani as the PM candidate in 2004 general elections.
All that PMs remarks indicate is that he is sick and tired of attempts by party snipers to undermine his authority. He feels he still has it in him to run the government efficiently. His comment should be seen more in the immediate context than in terms of any individual ambitions, said a Congress leader.
