Manmohan Singh once used 'harsh' words about PM Modi, which he later regretted

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has always been known as a man of few words and unparalleled humility, but he once openly regretted his choice of words. Ironically, this was about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2014, before the general elections, while replying to a query by a reporter on whether he saw a straight electoral contest between Modi and then Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for the post of prime minister, Dr Singh said: "I am fully confident that the next prime minister of India will be from the UPA. And, I do believe that having Mr Modi, whatever his merit, as the Prime Minister will be a disaster for India." 

Four-and-a-half years later, after Prime Minister Modi's first term, Dr Singh openly said he regretted his choice of words, calling them "harsh". On whether he stood by his prediction, Dr Singh said he didn't want to repeat the words. "I did say Modi will be a disaster as the Prime Minister. Now I recognise I used a harsh word I should not have used. I don’t want to repeat it. But time is not far off when the public at large would have the chance to pronounce on the efficacy or otherwise of public policy which has been put in place by Modiji." 

Both sparred on policy issues many times with Modi calling him ‘Maun-Mohan’ and Night Watchman. He also used scathing remarks about Dr Singh's alleged inability to curtail corruption during his tenure. "Only Doctor Saab knows how to bathe with a raincoat in the bathroom," Modi said while taking a dig at the former Prime Minister for the many corruption scandals that erupted in the government during his tenure. Modi's statement was made during his speech justifying his demonetisation decision in Lok Sabha. Dr Singh who was present at the House when Modi made the speech, but chose not to react to it. 

Modi's blunt words were also a reaction to Dr Singh describing the demonetisation drive as "organised loot and legalised plunder." Manmohan Singh, while stating that he agreed with the need to attack the country's vast shadow economy, said the execution of the notes ban "a monumental management failure."

Modi hit back: "If you use words like 'loot' and 'plunder' for us, we will pay you back in the same coin." 

Prime Minister Modi, however, lavished praise on Dr Singh, even recently. Their association goes a long way back when Dr Singh was the Prime Minister and Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi, while recalling Dr Singh's wisdom and humility, said they deliberated extensively on various subjects related to governance.

While bidding farewell to outgoing members last February, Modi heaped praise on Dr Singh, recalling how during voting in the House, Dr Singh came in his wheelchair and cast his vote despite knowing that the treasury bench would win. "This is an example of a member being alert to his duties. He was an inspirational example," he said. 

Modi added that Dr Singh would be remembered for his contributions during every discussion on democracy despite ideological differences.