India reacted sharply to Singapore Prime Minister’s comments on “Nehru’s India” and the criminal record of MPs. India also lodged a complaint with the High Commission of Singapore and have said that, “The remarks by the Prime Minister of Singapore were uncalled for. We are taking up the matter with the Singaporean side.”
Sources said the foreign ministry summoned the Singapore High Commissioner and conveyed its objection.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is reported to have made the comment during an impromptu debate in the Singaporean parliament yesterday
“…Nehru’s India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated,” he said.
Referring to various world leaders including India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Lee said: “Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders who fought for and won independence are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too.”
Congress also came back with a strong worded statement targeting PM Modi & the BJP- “Pandit Nehru’s magnanimity continues to inspire world leaders even today. Pity the ones at home who fail to have the vision to understand the exceptional leader he was.”
