Sonia Was Super Pm, Manmohan Was Made An Object Of Ridicule, Says Baru

[timmy]

New Delhi: Sanjaya Baru, in the eye of a storm after his latest book 'The Accidental Prime Minister' made startling claims about the top echelons of the Congress, including PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, on Saturday defended himself saying his book was not a criticism of the leaders, but had a balanced viewpoint.

"The media has picked up only specific portions from the book. The book is very balanced. It has some criticism as well as some appreciation," Baru said.

Baru, while explaining details and excerpts from his book, also claimed that Sonia Gandhi was the super Prime Minister during UPA 2 regime and Manmohan Singh had been reduced to being an object of ridicule.

"It is no secret that Sonia Gandhi was the super Prime Minister. (...) The files went to her. My book is because of what was happening to Dr Singh in the last two years, the way he became an object of ridicule. I want to tell the people the facts," Baru said.

Baru also denied having any specific motive behind the book. "I have no political intentions. It is a book that is honest. I am not trying to say things to support PM or criticise the PM," he said.

Baru also said that he was amused by the reaction of the PMO to his book. "The book carries both criticism and praise. In fact, it has more praise than criticism. I am amused by the way the PMO reacted to it. I don't think it was well thought out," Baru said.

The PMO on Friday lashed out at Baru for what it said was "fiction writing for commercial gains". Baru, who was Manmohan's former media advisor, was accused of using his access to the PMO to his benefit. Baru denied the charges.

[Splash]