Sonia Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on PM Modi After Supreme Court's Clean Chit
Years after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh made a prophetic statement at his final press conference in January 2014—stating that "history will be kinder to me than the media or the opposition"—his words have finally materialized. Following a landmark Supreme Court judgment upholding the CBI's clean chit to the late leader in the coal block allocation case, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi launched a fierce critique of the current administration. Praising Dr. Singh's unmatched integrity, she contrasted his governance with the functioning of the Narendra Modi government, calling out what she termed a "well-planned conspiracy" against an honest leader.
Supreme Court Clears Dr. Manmohan Singh in Coal Block Case
The legal cloud hanging over the former Prime Minister was officially lifted when the Supreme Court quashed the summons order against him, conclusively closing the high-profile criminal case and putting an end to years of political targeting. Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 27, 2024, did not live to witness this day in person, a fact that leaders across political lines deeply regret. However, the apex court's ruling served as a monumental legal vindication, with the court reprimanding earlier trial court proceedings for rejecting the CBI closure report without solid justifications.
Sonia Gandhi Alleges a Well-Planned Conspiracy Involving Bureaucracy and Media
In a strongly worded article, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi detailed the intense political and institutional pressure Dr. Singh faced during his tenure. She stated that a coordinated campaign was orchestrated by elements spanning the bureaucracy, judiciary, civil society, media, and right-wing organizations. Describing Dr. Singh as a man of exceptional truthfulness and calm demeanor, Gandhi noted that the false political narratives and malicious campaigns have ultimately yielded "nothing," as the former Prime Minister has been formally acquitted of every single charge leveled against him.
Direct Jibe at PM Modi and the Misuse of Investigative Agencies
Sonia Gandhi did not pull her punches when drawing a sharp contrast between the governance styles of Dr. Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the political hostility, she recalled a caustic remark made in the Rajya Sabha in February 2017, calling it one of the lowest points in India's parliamentary history. Furthermore, she accused the Modi government of grossly misusing central investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to coerce political opponents, silence dissent, or force leaders into joining the ruling party while sweeping credible corruption allegations against allies under the rug.
Legacy of High Economic Growth and the Historic India-US Nuclear Deal
Praising the monumental milestones achieved under Dr. Singh's leadership, Gandhi reminded the nation of his stellar economic stewardship, which propelled India into the ranks of middle-income countries through unprecedented growth, surging consumption, and private investment. She also highlighted his political courage in successfully executing the historic India-US nuclear deal, which dismantled decades of global nuclear isolation. Concluding her tribute, Gandhi emphasized that unlike modern political practices, Dr. Singh regularly held himself accountable through unscripted press conferences and fostered an environment where civil society and students could voice dissent without fear.
