The Hindu : National : I have faith in a higher force: Manmohan

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Saturday, Aug 18, 2007
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I have faith in a higher force: Manmohan

“My destiny”: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

New Delhi: Manmohan Singh has said that although the Opposition did not think he would last as Prime Minister, he believed it was his destiny to hold the post.

“They didn’t even believe I would last as Prime Minister and some leaders even did havans that I should die on a certain day. But I have faith in a higher force. I believe it was my destiny to be the Prime Minister. I h ave the courage of conviction,” he said in an interview in the latest edition of India Today.

Dr. Singh said the “attitude of the BJP is disappointing.”

Reacting to the remarks, the BJP sought an apology from him.

“We still cannot believe that a prime minister can ever make such comments in this century. It’s appalling. He should better understand that ‘havans’ are held for well-being and not to pray for somebody’s death,” senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra told reporters.

“He owes an apology to the nation for such ridiculous comments. Can he name anybody who had organised those ‘havans’?” Mr. Malhotra said.

The Congress said Dr. Singh was not given to exaggeration and hyperbole.

Party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said the BJP had “utter disrespect” for Constitutional authorities, be it the Chief Election Commissioner or the judiciary or the Prime Minister. — PTI

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