P Chidambaram accuses Narendra Modi of making 'cruel and fierce' speeches

Attacking BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said some people were making "cruel and fierce" speeches and regretted that kindness and tenderness of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were disappearing.

"Those who want to become Prime Minister are making such fierce speeches... they presume all others are dishonest people and they only were honest," he said, inaugurating Vasan Eye Hospitals at Karaikudi and Sivaganga, his native district.

Without naming Modi in his speech, he regretted that "tenderness in speeches" and "kind attitude" were slowly disappearing. The Father of the Nation was known for his kind attitude which earned him the title of "Mahatma", he said.

Late Nelson Mandela, described as South African Gandhi, was also tender in his speech and was kind, he said.