On Board Air India One: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday hit back at the opposition for demanding that he step down over his alleged role in the coal blocks allocation issue.
Speaking to reporters on board Air India One while returning from the NAM Summit in Tehran, the PM said the BJP was resorting to diversionary tactics.
“There is no question of me resigning. I have to maintain the dignity of the office of PM,” Dr Singh said.
He added that “if I was resigning, I would not have been here”.
“I can’t get into slanging match with political leaders. It is better, as said I earlier, I keep silent,” the PM in response to a question as to why he was allowing the BJP to set the political agenda.
The PM said “the BJP would have to wait at least till the next elections (if it wants to come to power).”
Speaking about other issues, the PM said he was confident Rahul Gandhi would join his Cabinet soon.
Amid criticism, Gandhi had recently said that he would take up a bigger role soon.
Dr Singh said he has asked Gandhi to join the Cabinet a number of times.
On talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, the PM said the trial of those charged with heinous crime of Mumbai massacre is a crucial test for Pakistan.
“There must be a genuine feeling that Pakistan is doing all that it could do to deal with terrorism directed against India from Pak soil,” he added.
Dr Singh also said that he want to bring the office of PM under the purview of the Lokpal.
Further, the PM noted that lack of cohesive coordination in domestic politics has been a factor in country not being able to lay foundation for 9 per cent growth rate.