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I am no lame duck, asserts Dr Singh
Terming the perception that his government had gone "comatose" and was "lame duck" as clever propaganda of the Opposition "to which some sections of the media had lent ear," Dr Singh asserted that "truth will prevail" and his performance will speak.
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'Never was Sonia Gandhi was an obstacle'
During a 100-minute interaction with five editors at his official residence, a relaxed prime minister confidently fielded questions on a wide range of issues including the talk that Rahul Gandhi should take his place, the Lokpal Bill, corruption and relations with neighbouring countries.
Sonia Gandhi had done a "superb job" as Congress president for nearly 15 years now, he underlined.'Open to younger people taking over the nation'
"In fact, the Congress high command has always been most supportive, particularly Mrs Gandhi," he said.
He went on to add, "Personally, if you ask me, the general proposition that younger people should take over, I think, is the right sentiment". Whenever the party "makes up its mind I will be very happy to step down, but so long as I am here I have a job to do".
To a question about a possible reshuffle of his Cabinet, the PM said it was a "work in progress". Asked if it could take place soon, Dr Singh replied, "I cannot predict."
'Country needs strong Lokpal although it is not a panacea'
About Lokpal Bill, he said it was essential and desirable. The country needed a strong Lokpal although it is not a "panacea".
He told the editors that he would try to find a way on the Lokpal issue and work for a national consensus. The government would reach out to the civil society but no group can insist that their views "A to Z" are the last word.
As for bringing the office of the Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal, the Prime Minister said that he has no hesitation in bringing himself under it. However, many of his Cabinet colleagues were of the view that bringing the institution of the prime minister under Lokpal would create "an element of instability which can go out of hand".
He ruled out inclusion of higher judiciary within the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman. Bringing higher judiciary under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal would be contrary to the Constitutional scheme of things, he said while voicing confidence that a national consensus would be evolved on the proposeed Lokpal Bill.
In any case, the PM is covered by the anti-corruption act and is a 24-hour servant of the people, he said pointing out that a person holding that office can be removed by Parliament.
Dr Singh said that he would like to be "guided" by political parties on this issue. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha and her Punjab counterpart Prakash Singh Badal had both expressed their views that this office should be kept out of Lokpal's purview.
'I had encouraged dialogue with Hazare'
On dialogue with civil society, he said that the government should appear to be receptive to what the society says and he had himself encouraged a dialogue with Anna Hazare.
With regard to Ramdev also, the effort was not to create unnecessary misunderstanding, he said, adding that he had earlier written to the yoga guru to share some of his concerns on blackmoney and corruption.
About the controversy surrounding the decision of four union ministers to meet Ramdev at Delhi airport, the Dr Singh said it was not to "receive" him but the meeting had been arranged so that it could take place before he entered Delhi.
Responding to a question about police action against Ramdev and his followers at Delhi's Ramlila ground in the middle of the night, he said it was unfortunate but he did not see any alternative. If action had been taken the next day there would have been larger crowds, he said.
Asked if Hazare was naive or politically motivated, the PM said it was not good to question the motives of those government is negotiating with.'Dealing with black money not a one-shot opearation'
In his opening remarks, the PM said there was a growing perception in the media that the government was under a siege and not able to implement its agenda. He then went on to hit out at the role of the media for having become "accuser, prosecutor and the judge". No parliamentary democracy could function in that manner.
'India lives in a very uncertain neighbourhood'
He said that terror should never be used as a state policy. Terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed were offshoots of the Inter-Services Intelligence. Asked about the possibility of his visiting Pakistan, Dr Singh said they were keen about it but there must be something solid to achieve.
About China, he said that the Indian media should not sensationalise differences with that country. He had dealt with the present leadership of President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao whom he regards as men of peace. At the same time, the PM said India could not compromise on the issue of Arunachal Pradesh to which China lays claim and on river systems.