Press Release

Millbrae, CA ( connect2business) January 7, 2014 - As far as the charges of corruption are concerned, most of these charges relate to the period of UPA-1. Coal block allocation as well as 2G spectrum allocation were both in the era of the UPA-1. We went to the electorate on the basis of our performance in that period, and the people of India gave us the mandate to govern for another five years.

When you look back, do you feel there is something you should have done differently?

I feel somewhat sad, because I was the one who insisted that spectrum allocation should be transparent, it should be fair, it should be equitable. I was the one who insisted that coal blocks should be allocated on the basis of auctions. These facts are forgotten. The Opposition has a vested interest. Sometimes the media play into their hands as well. There were irregularities. But the dimensions of the problems have been overstated by the media, by the CAG sometimes, and by other entities.

You did indicate in your opening remarks that you rule yourself out of a third term. So do you want Rahul Gandhi to be named prime ministerial candidate?

I have indicated in my opening remarks that I am not going to be a candidate for Prime Ministership if the UPA were to come back to power. Rahul Gandhi has outstanding credentials to be nominated as the (Prime Ministerial) candidate. I hope our party will take that decision at the appropriate time.

Have you ever felt like resigning, at any point over the last 9-10 years?

I have never felt like resigning at any time. I have enjoyed doing my work. I have tried to do my work with all honesty, with all sense of integrity, without regard, or fear or favour.

Most Chief Ministers said their defeat was because of price rise. Does it hurt that the blame is being placed at your door?

I will be honest enough to say that, it could be that price rise was a factor in the people's turning against the Congress party. And I have explained that the reasons why price rise took place are reasons beyond our control, because international commodity prices are rising, because international energy prices are rising. But having said that, I would also like to say that we have taken enough measures to protect the weaker sections of our economy and our society against rising prices.

Are you still hopeful about pushing some reforms agenda?

Reform is not an event, it is a process. Therefore, so long as we are in power, we will continue to push the cause of reform wherever there is scope for it, and if circumstances permit us to go forward.

How do you think the aam aadmi now perceives you, as a politician, as a PM?

I am the same person as I was years ago. There has been no change. I say it in all sincerity that I have tried to serve this country with utmost dedication and commitment and with utmost integrity. I have never used my office to enrich or to reward my friends or my relatives.

What is the state of the Indo-U.S. relations? As your term comes to an end, it seems to have hit rock bottom again.

Our government attaches highest priority to strengthening the strategic partnership between our two countries. There have recently been some hiccups, but I sincerely believe that these are temporary aberrations and diplomacy should be given a chance to resolve these issues that have arisen.

How do you see your legacy in view of the fact that you failed to act?

I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament. I cannot divulge all things that take place in the Cabinet system of government. I think, taking into account the circumstances, and the compulsions of a coalition polity, I have done as best as I could under the circumstances.

Do you think Rahul Gandhi vs Narendra Modi is an equal contest? Are you confident he will be able to form the government?

I have full confidence that the next Prime Minister will be from the UPA coalition, and that

Organisation Profile:
When I became Prime Minister, the general perception was that the Congress Party has never been able to run a coalition government. The Congress ability to run a coalition government was to be tested, and we showed that the Congress party can successfully manage the coalition to complete not one, but two terms. For more details visit: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/history-will-be-kinder-to-me-than-the-media-says-manmohan/article5535346.ece?ref=relatedNews