PM Modi setting a dangerous precedent for political gains: Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Countering Narendra Modi's allegation that Congress leaders held a secret meeting with Pakistani officials, Manmohan Singh issued a statement on Monday, accusing the prime minister of spreading falsehood to gain political mileage.

Singh said he was pained at the "falsehood" and "canards" being spread by a prime minister for electoral gains, adding that Modi was setting a "dangerous precedent by his insatiable desire to tarnish every constitutional office, including that of a Former Prime Minister and Army Chief".

Modi, who was speaking at an election rally, quoted some reports that claimed some senior Congress leaders, including Singh and Mani Shankar Aiyar had met Pakistani officials to discuss Gujarat, a charge which Singh denied in the statement issued.

"Fearing imminent defeat in Gujarat, desperation of Prime Minister to hurl every abuse and latch on to every straw is palpable," Singh said in the statement.

Read Manmohan Singh's full statement here: