Rajnath defends Modi's remark on Manmohan

 Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ‘raincoat’ remark on former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

 Speaking to reporters here, Rajnath said Modi’s remark had been made in a different context. “So many scams had taken place during his (Manmohan) regime... the remark was made in that context,” he said.

Stating that he had “great respect” for Manmohan, Rajnath said the former prime minister had also dubbed demonetisation the “biggest organised crime”. “What inference should be drawn from this statement?” he said.

Targetting Manmohan in the Rajya Sabha, Modi had said on Wednesday: “Politicians should learn from Manmohan Singh... despite so many scams during his regime, he remained above board... one should learn the art of bathing wearing a raincoat from him.” Rajnath claimed the BJP would form the next government in Uttar Pradesh, even as he said their rivals were fighting a losing battle.

“The SP is in depression... that is why it has allied with the Congress... the BSP has already lost the battle... only the BJP can ensure the development of Uttar Pradesh,” he said.

In reply to a query, he said the Jats were with the BJP, and termed their agitation a conspiracy hatched by his opponents.