The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Natwar Singh's reaction

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Friday, Aug 11, 2006

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Natwar Singh's reaction

Ever since the Volcker Report named him a non-contractual beneficiary in Iraq's oil-for-food programme, the former External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, has been making contradictory statements. His famous replies of `no' and `never' soon gave way to `the signature on the letter (written to the Oil Ministry of Iraq) is mine but the contents are not,' followed by allegations of a conspiracy. He seems to have given it his best shot yet by faulting the Pathak Inquiry Authority and questioning the credentials of Manmohan Singh to be Prime Minister. He has played the politician to perfection.

E. Raghu,
Coimbatore

* * *

Mr. Singh's remark that Dr. Manmohan Singh is the only Prime Minister who has not won even a municipality election is amusing. Did he not know this when he joined the Manmohan Singh Cabinet?

A.K. Dasgupta,
Hyderabad

* * *

The remark seems to be the outcome of Mr. Singh's annoyance over the Pathak panel's findings. Strangely, he did not seem to mind working under the same Prime Minister till a few months ago. The comment is not only irrelevant but is tantamount to hitting below the belt.

C.P. Srinivasan,
Chennai

* * *

Mr. Singh's anger is justified. The Pathak panel has ignored the report of the Permanent Mission of India to the U.N. The allegations made in the Volcker Report are not supported by evidence. And it is a fact that Dr. Manmohan Singh is the only Prime Minister who has not won even a municipal election.

Nagesh Belapure,
Secunderabad

* * *

Every now and then, the media and the opposition describe Dr. Manmohan Singh as a weak Prime Minister. In a parliamentary democracy, it is better to have a weak Prime Minister with a high level of integrity than an authoritarian Prime Minister.

Sushil Mehra,
Bangalore

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