Manmohan asks Modi to follow footsteps of Nehru, Indira

Says that, in light of the recent crisis, the Prime Minister should take a lesson from them

Taking a jibe at the 'directionless' policies of the BJP-led NDA regime, former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday advised his predecessor Narendra Modi to follow the footsteps of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

"Pandit Nehru and Indira ji are responsible for developing the agricultural sector in India. In light of the recent crisis, Prime Minister Modi should take a lesson from them. Indira Gandhi tried her best to ensure that the East Pakistan crisis was resolved through diplomacy," said Dr. Singh while speaking at the 98th birth anniversary celebration of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

"A look at history will show you the role which the Congress played in making our economy strong. Compare it to directionless policies of today," he added.

Dr. Singh recalled that former prime minister and BJP veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee had addressed Indira Gandhi as 'Durga' in the Parliament when he was the Leader of Opposition.

"In 1971, the opposition said 'Indira Hatao', Indira responded with 'Garibi Hatao'. She laid the foundation for removing poverty in the nation," he said.