Campaign brings out brainy PM’s brawn

The 2009 election marks the transition of PM Manmohan Singh’s public persona, from that of an unexceptionable intellectual to an aggressive campaigner not afraid to speak his mind and even alienate allies and erstwhile friends.

Manmohan has already picked a very public and personal feud with the BJP’s PM candidate, LK Advani. CPM general secretary Prakash Karat has made no secret of his dislike for him. Now, it is Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh who has turned against Manmohan.

In an interview to a TV channel, Mulayam said the PM was “ehsaan faramosh” (an ingrate). He has apparently taken umbrage to the PM’s contention that regional parties weakened the Centre and that voters should instead go for national parties such as the Congress.

“Manmohan Singh is prime minister due to the support of regional parties such as the SP, LJP and the RJD. How can he say regional parties are an obstacle to growth?” Mulayam said.

The PM’s attitude has, however, not come as a surprise to many. “He has always been very clear in his thinking and forthright in his views,” a senior official in the PMO said.
In an uncertain electoral situation where allies are valued like gold, is it politic to pick public fights? Sources said the PM’s aggression against Advani was calculated, but his remarks on regionalism personal.

“We feel Mulayam Singh’s comments are directed more towards the Congress, and have spilled over to what the PM said,” a source in the Congress said.