Sonia defends Manmohan Singh, says BJP’s attack on him is despicable

NEW DELHI - Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday lashed out at the Opposition for its attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s integrity, and described it as downright despicable.

Addressing the party’s 83rd plenary session at Burari in northwest Delhi, Gandhi said: “The BJP’s personal attack on Prime Minister is “downright despicable”.

“Manmohan Singh has shown unwavering devotion towards the progress and prosperity of the nation. I want to say the party is with him and completely supports him.”

She also urged all Congressmen to go out to their respective constituencies and speak about Dr. Singh’s achievement and personnel credentials without fear or favour.

On corruption, Gandhi said that the party and the government must confront corruption head-on.

She also said: “We have asked our Chief Minister and Ministers to resign on charges of corruption. Can the BJP or the Left parties make the same claim. In Karnataka, corruption is rampant.”

“There should be no tolerance for corruption or misconduct, we have demonstrated it through our actions,” Gandhi added.

“Congressmen and women holding office must not allow any doubt about their probity and integrity. It will become representative of a party claiming to speak for the poor to indulge in greed, extravagance and luxury,” she said.

She further accused the BJP of holding Parliament hostage to political blackmailing, referring to the Opposition’s continued demand for a JPC probe into the 2G scam.

“Can they (the BJP) justify bringing parliament to halt? Parliament cannot be held hostage to political blackmail. Parliament is itself a forum for debate,” she said.

The Congress president in reference to recently unearthed graft scams said the nation was “paying the heaviest price” for the rampant corruption.

The right to information, she said, “is bringing new culture and transparency. The Lokpal bill will strengthen this process”. (ANI)