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SANGRUR (PUNJAB): Looking to correct an impression that his harsh criticism of the ordinance protecting convicted legislators from losing their seats belittled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi heaped praise on Singh, calling him one of two gurus in his life.
"I have had a very friendly chat with the Prime Minister after my ordinance stand. I told him I have two gurus in my life. They are Congress chief ( Sonia Gandhi) and Manmohan Singhji. I have learnt a lot from him in my political career," Rahul said, addressing a rally here on Thursday.
In saying so, Rahul repeated a previous reference in July last year when while saying he will accept a larger role in the party and government, the leader referred to Sonia and Singh as his "two bosses".
The Gandhi scion's remarks assume significance as his public outburst against the ordinance was seen as a snub to the PM and Rahul could be keen to make amends at the Punjab rally to signal no "insult" was intended to a Sikh PM.
Rahul made it a point to thank the people for providing a prime minister from Punjab, a statement intended to assuage any hurt feelings.
The Congress vice-president's attack on the ordinance had taken the party and government totally by surprise and left senior ministers shocked, although they had little option but to fall in line.
But while reaching out to the PM, he defended his decision to oppose the ordinance. "A few days ago I was in Gujarat and a large section of journalists and common people told me that I did the right thing and that everyone was behind me. They, however, questioned the opposition's adverse remarks on my timing. I told them that there is no right time for saying the truth," he said.
He again went back to offer unwavering support to PM, as he asked people to name a quality that makes anyone successful. "What is that thing makes people successful? Good intent and honesty. Agar niyat kharaab hai to kuchh nahin hoga, agar niyat saaf hai to sab kuchh hoga (If intentions are not right, then nothing will go right for you)," he said.
"Lot of bad things were being said about the PM. Let me say for once and all. Manmohan Singh ji ki niyat bilkul saaf hai (Manmohan Singh is a man with good intent). He has always been," Rahul said.
He said the UPA government under Manmohan Singh has changed the development structure and that no one can match his achievements.
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