Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accused current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using hateful and unparliamentary language against specific sections of society and the opposition.

In a letter to Punjab voters ahead of the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1, Singh urged them to take their "final chance" to protect democracy and the Constitution from what he termed a "despotic regime" aiming to impose dictatorship in India.

Singh stated that Modi has indulged in the "most vicious form of hate speeches," which he believes are divisive. He criticized Modi for lowering the dignity of public discourse and the office of the Prime Minister.

"No prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary, and coarse terms," Singh said. He also accused Modi of falsely attributing statements to him, such as the claim that Muslims have the “first right to the country's resources.” Singh emphasized that he has never singled out one community over another, attributing such divisive tactics solely to the BJP.

Manmohan Singh
Image Source: Rediff.com

Additionally, Singh criticized the BJP's Agniveer Scheme for the armed forces, calling it ill-conceived and a threat to national security. He argued that the scheme, which limits military service to four years, undermines patriotism and bravery. Singh pointed out that the youth, particularly in Punjab, feel betrayed by this policy, as it diminishes their long-term prospects in the armed forces. He stated that the Congress party has promised to abolish the Agniveer Scheme to address these concerns.

Singh concluded by urging voters to ensure that democracy and the Constitution are protected from the assaults of the current regime.

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