The Hindu : Front Page : Communalism, casteism nation’s foes: Manmohan

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Friday, Mar 20, 2009
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Communalism, casteism nation’s foes: Manmohan

K.V. Prasad

Terms Varun Gandhi’s inflammatory remarks ‘unfortunate’

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said communalism and casteism were enemies of the country and everyone had to contribute in the fight against the twin evils. He was reacting to a question on BJP Pilibhit candidate Varun Gandhi’s alleged inflammatory remarks against Muslims during his campaign.

This was Dr. Singh’s first informal interaction with the media after his heart surgery.

The Prime Minister said that while Mr. Varun Gandhi had clarified that he had not made such remarks, if they had been, “it is unfortunate.”

Earlier Dr. Singh attended the Defence Investiture Ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On the possible fallout, especially of the political turmoil in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said India continued to face threat from terrorists. He said it was not correct to assume that the threat had ceased to exist. “We have to be alert.”

To a question, he said differences among the United Progressive Alliance partners would be sorted out.

Dr. Singh said tensions were built into the country’s body politic. “I am confident everything will be worked out.”

He said he would take part in the election campaign.

Asked to choose between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Third Front as the Congress-led UPA’s main opponent in the coming Lok Sabha elections, he said the Congress did not underestimate anyone.

“Whether Left or Right we will face the challenge. Rivals are rivals and we do not underestimate anybody. We are confident people will vote for us on the basis of our performance,” the Prime Minister said.

On his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at the G-20, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to it, the first between the two after Mr. Obama assumed office this January.

Dr. Singh said protectionism was the enemy of growth and all nations had the obligation to ensure that the 1930s kind of recession was not repeated.

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