PM keeps open option of accepting third term

Manmohan Singh, who is serving the second term, has been the Prime Minister for nine years

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today kept open the option of accepting a third term but ruled out early elections, asserting that the government would complete its five-year term ending in May next year.

"I have still some time to complete my present term," he replied when asked during an NDTV event here whether he would accept a third term if asked.

To another poser, Singh said he considers Prime Ministership of this vast country as "a great honour" and his effort has been to be rise up to the high expectations of the people.

Singh, who is serving the second term, has been the Prime Minister for nine years.

Questioned whether he was in the election mode, the Prime Minister replied, "I am not going to answer any question (on the issue)."

When asked whether his remaining term was for "six months or one year", Singh said, "We will complete five years of our government."

During the event organised to mark 25 years of NDTV, Singh commended the role of media in informing the public. At the same time, he regretted that there was at times, sensationalism, trivialisation and paid news, which the media itself should address.