On the controversy about the prime minister being 'weak'
Well, as a daughter, I don't find him weak. When I saw this comment for the first time I felt very annoyed. Then, the same comment was made so many times that it stopped bothering me.
I felt bad, but there is no substance in the charge anyway. It is not possible to substantiate such a comment. I think he would not prefer to react to such things. He would prefer to say nothing. I think he believes that in public life there should be a certain dignity and decorum. I don't think he believes in trading personal charges.
This is my understanding that when newspapers and TV were going on and on (about the charge leveled by L K Advani that Dr Singh is the weakest PM) some people did wonder why doesn't he say something. Why is he not reacting? So, he did and I think, now, it is over. It's a good thing, because I just found it very unpleasant.
Also, not as a daughter, but simply as a citizen who reads newspapers and watches news channels -- I am fairly aware about what is going on in the country -- the kind of changes that have taken place in the last five years. I do feel that his leadership is taking the country forward.
In real life he is silent and subdued. I would say he remains in his own world. He remains lost in thought, reading his books. He is definitely not involved about gossiping about family or friends. Such things don't interest him. Forget about him being weak. He is the toughest person I know.
The way he takes decisions, you know. He takes decisions according to what he wants at that point of time and he always has the courage to take risks. He knows his mind and heart are clear. He never takes decisions in a situation of doubt and uncertainty. Every decision he takes he is sure about what he is doing. He is convinced about his steps. Otherwise, he won't do it.
Image: Left: L K Advani greets supporters during an election campaign. Right: Dr Singh addresses industrialists and party workers in Mumbai. Photographs: Kamal Kishore/Reuters, Punit Paranjpe/Reuters.
Also see: Will Amethi still vote for Rahul? | India Votes 2009
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