Sonia Gandhi has published an op-ed criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 remarks about former PM Manmohan Singh. Her comments follow the Supreme Court's July 2026 decision to clear Singh in the long-pending coal allocation case. Gandhi described the past comments as a low point in parliamentary history, renewing a debate over political conduct and the use of investigative agencies in India.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has published an op-ed strongly criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding comments he made in the Rajya Sabha in 2017 about former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Gandhi characterized those remarks, which questioned Singh's decision-making ability, as a low point in parliamentary history.
Context of the Supreme Court Ruling
This critique follows a significant legal development on July 29, 2026, when the Supreme Court of India upheld the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report in the coal block allocation case. The apex court's ruling effectively cleared Manmohan Singh of the allegations that had shadowed his later years. The former Prime Minister, who passed away on December 27, 2024, was formally acquitted of the charges, bringing an end to the prolonged legal case.
The 2017 Parliamentary Remarks
In her piece, Gandhi addressed the 2017 comments where the Prime Minister had alluded to Singh's ability to act decisively, using the metaphor of "bathing with a raincoat on." Gandhi argued that these remarks were an instance of "undignified slander" and suggested that the Prime Minister, who has recently spoken about forgiving students for their criticisms, should apply similar introspection to his own past statements.
Allegations Regarding Investigative Agencies
Beyond the specific comments about the former Prime Minister, Gandhi utilized the op-ed to raise broader concerns regarding the current political environment. She alleged that investigative agencies, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI, are being misused to exert pressure on political opposition. She contended that these agencies have been employed to either silence critics or encourage them to join the ruling party, suggesting a pattern where corruption allegations against opposition members are pursued aggressively, while similar allegations against members of the ruling party are dismissed.
Economic and Political Legacy
Gandhi also contrasted the governance record of the UPA era with the current administration. She highlighted the economic growth and resilience observed during Manmohan Singh's tenure, particularly during the 2008 global financial crisis. By focusing on his record of integrity and accountability, she aims to frame Singh's legacy as one of significant national progress, contrasting it with what she views as the current government's governance challenges. This development marks a continuing, intense debate between the ruling party and the opposition regarding the standards of political discourse and the independence of India's regulatory and investigative institutions.