Manmohan Singh knows how to bathe wearing a raincoat, says PM in RS

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a dig at the former PM Manmohan Singh by saying that only he has the ability to come out clean despite his government had faced several corruption allegations. Modi added, "Dr. Sahab knows how to bathe with a raincoat in the bathroom."

While speaking in Rajya Sabha during motion of thanks to President's address, PM said that the country has experienced a horizontal divide post-demonetisation. He said, "For the first time, a horizontal divide was visible. Mood of the people was completely different from mood of politicians."

The PM further stated that government has never politicised the corruption issue. The fight against corruption in the country is not political, the PM said.

Stating that such decision has not been taken in the world ever, the PM said that the economists across the globe do not know parameters to assess the notes ban mood. "What India did will be a case study for economists worldwide. While the opposition quotes foreign economists, I can quote 10 of them on the fact that such an action hasn't been taken in the world ever," the PM stated.

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He appreciated the demonetisation move and stated that in 40 days almost 700 Maoists surrendered during period of November-December. This happened for the first time, the PM stated.

Congress stages a walkout:

• The Prime Minister's remark on former PM Manmohan Singh led the opposition party to stage a walkout in RS.
• PM had taken a dig at the former Prime Minister stating, "Manmohan Singh ji has such a clean image that world should learn from him, how to take bath while wearing a raincoat."
• The PM had also said that for almost 35 years, Manmohan Singh ji had a lot of influence on country's economic policies.
• Congress leader Kapil Sibal stated the PM as arrogant. "Look at his arrogance, he chooses to speak when everyone else is done and then makes unsubstantial allegations," he said.

Also read: Narendra Modi spreading hatred in UP, say Akhilesh and Rahul

What else he said:

• Answering to leader of opposition Anand Sharma on technological advancements, Prime Minister Modi said that the Centre has not wasted any money of the people. "Anand Sharma ji was asking why are you spending crores on Digital tech. Not a single extra penny was spent in development of BHIM app," the PM stated.
• No need to drag the RBI governor or question RBI's credibility, the PM said or Urjit Patel being questioned on the notes ban.
• We will have to be tough on people cheating the system, only then the hands of the poor will be strengthened.

Modi praises media:

• Prime Minister praised the media for giving intense coverage of the Swacch Bharat Mission.
• I was surprised that people made fun of the Swachh Bharat Mission also but media always gave a positive coverage in this regard.
• Various programmes in media are aimed towards making people aware about the cleanliness drive.

Modi over India's fight against corruption:

- The fight against corruption and black money is not a political fight.

- It is not constraint to a political institution.

- Corruption in various government departments has adeversely impacted the aspirations of the poor and the middle class.

- Strict action on corruption and dishonest is the need of the day.

- Government will come tough over those who are cheating with the system.

Also read: Modi Ji’s smile faded away after SP-Cong alliance, says Rahul Gandhi