Shiv Sena leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam stirred controversy on Thursday with his remarks about the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Nirupam, who left Congress to join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments led by Singh while paying tribute to him, sparking widespread backlash online.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Nirupam wrote, “There is no doubt that Dr. Manmohan Singh was spotless, but the paradox is that the government he led for ten years had many stains. Those stains haven’t been washed away to this day. Humble tribute to Doctor Sahab.”
The post drew sharp criticism from netizens, who reminded Nirupam of his affiliation with the Congress during Singh’s tenure. Many argued that the allegations against the UPA government, often raised by opposition parties, remain unproven.
One user slammed the comment, stating, “There is a limit to shamelessness, Sanjay Saheb. Even on someone’s death, you choose to indulge in politics. The BJP itself has many stains that will be exposed when the Congress government comes to power. As for your career, it is already over; you can only survive by continuing such sycophancy. The educated generation of this country will always remember Manmohan Singh Ji.”
Another user criticized Nirupam with a poetic jibe, quoting, “Jaisi sangati baithiye, taiso hi phal din” (Your outcomes reflect the company you keep). They called his remarks “inappropriate and disgraceful,” especially in the context of a tribute to a respected national figure.
Facing mounting criticism, Nirupam defended his remarks in a subsequent post. He clarified that while he held Dr. Singh in high regard as a gentleman and an honest leader, his critique of the UPA government remained firm.
“There was no need for such an extensive campaign against me over this tweet,” Nirupam wrote. “I have always believed and continue to believe that Dr. Manmohan Singh was impeccable and honest. However, it’s undeniable that UPA 2 was plagued by scandals. Those responsible were forces outside the government who tarnished its image, and Congress is still bearing the consequences.”
Nirupam further elaborated, “Between 2010 and 2014, we defended the party and the government in numerous TV debates, but we failed because ‘Paap Bhayankar Tha’ (the misdeeds were grave). If Congress continues to deny its historical mistakes, its decline will only worsen.”
The controversy has reignited discussions about the political legacy of the UPA era and the challenges faced by leaders navigating past affiliations and current alliances.