When former prime minister Manmohan Singh spoke out strongly against PM Modi during the 2024 lok sabha elections, he did so despite his frail health. He accused his successor of degrading public discourse and diminishing the significance of the prime ministerial role by delivering "hateful speeches" throughout the election campaign. While addressing voters in punjab before the seventh phase of the lok sabha elections on june 1, Singh claimed that only the congress party could guarantee a future centered on growth, ensuring the protection of democracy and the Constitution. The veteran congress leader criticized the bjp government for the poorly conceived Agnipath scheme, which he viewed as a risk to national security. "The bjp believes that patriotism, valor, and service only hold value for four years, revealing their false nationalism," he asserted in what some view as his final message to the voters of Punjab. The congress party made Singh's letter public on May 30. He expressed that those who were preparing for regular recruitment were greatly let down by the Modi administration. "The youth of punjab, particularly the farmer's sons dreaming of serving the nation through the Armed Forces, are now hesitant about a recruitment that lasts only four years. The Agniveer scheme threatens national security. Therefore, the congress party has pledged to abolish the Agniveer scheme." Taking a strong stance against Modi, he remarked, "I have been closely observing the political discussions during this election campaign. Modi ji has participated in the most malicious form of hate speech, which serves only to divide. Modi ji is the first prime minister to diminish the dignity of public discourse and the seriousness of the prime minister's office." "No previous prime minister has expressed such hateful, inappropriate, and coarse remarks aimed at a specific community or the opposition. He has also misquoted me. I have never targeted a single community in my life; that is the exclusive domain of the bjp," the former prime minister stated. "The people of india are perceiving all of this. This narrative of dehumanization has now reached its apex. It is now our responsibility to protect our cherished nation from these divisive forces," Singh continued. He urged voters to choose love, peace, fraternity, and harmony for india and called on voters in punjab to prioritize development and inclusive progress. "I urge all the young voters to be vigilant and cast their votes for a brighter future. Only congress can assure a growth-oriented and progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution will be upheld," Singh asserted. Modi had accused Singh of claiming that Muslims hold priority over the nation’s resources. "This narrative of dehumanization has now reached its peak. It is now our duty to save our beloved nation from these forces of discord," Singh reiterated in his letter. He pointed out that india stands at a pivotal moment, and on the final voting day, "we have one last opportunity to safeguard democracy and our Constitution from the constant attacks of a tyrannical regime that seeks to impose dictatorship in India."
Praising Punjabis as warriors, he remarked on their reputation for a spirit of sacrifice, unyielding bravery, and a natural commitment to the democratic principles of inclusiveness, harmony, friendship, and brotherhood that could safeguard our great nation.
"Over the past decade, the bjp administration has done everything possible to criticize punjab, its people, and the essence of Punjabiyat. During the prolonged protests at the delhi borders, 750 farmers, mainly from punjab, lost their lives. As if the beatings and rubber bullets were inadequate, the prime minister even verbally attacked our farmers in Parliament, referring to them as 'andolanjeevis' and 'parjeevi (parasites).' Their sole demand was the repeal of the three farm laws that were enforced without proper consultation," he stated.
"Record levels of unemployment and rampant inflation have significantly increased inequality, reaching a peak not seen in a century. While the Congress-UPA, despite facing obstacles, managed to enhance the purchasing power of our citizens, the mismanagement of the bjp government has led to household savings plunging to a historic low not witnessed in 47 years," he continued.
Singh, the mastermind behind India’s economic reforms and a negotiator in the often turbulent political landscape, passed away at the All india Institute of Medical Sciences in delhi late Thursday. He was 92 years old.
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