In a strong message to Opposition parties gunning for Union home minister P. Chidambaram’s resignation for his alleged role in the 2G spectrum affair, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his friend and Cabinet colleague has been performing the task given to him with “superb aplomb”.
“From 2004, I derive immense support from his enlightened leadership, first as finance minister and then as home minister. Whatever task is given to him, he performs with superb aplomb,” the Prime Minister said at a function at Alagappa University.
Thanking his “friend” for bringing him to this part of the country, Dr Singh, referring to Mr Chidambaram seated in the front row in the audience, said, “He and I have been colleagues since the 1990s. I was the finance minister and he the commerce minister then and we worked hand in hand.”
At the opening ceremony of two private hospitals, the Prime Minister went a step ahead for his friend. “We worked as colleagues in the Narasimha Rao government. It was his wisdom that economic reform was implemented.”
On Mr Chidambaram’s present portfolio, Dr Singh said that in handling an important ministry filled with challenges he has been working with great dedication, ensuring internal security.