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The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is scheduled to address a press conference today, is being closely followed by the people and reiterated it will be his last press conference as PM.
BJP Uttar Pradesh unit president Laxmikant Bajpai said, "It is his second press conference in the whole tenure of the UPA II Government. It shows that he is not interested in interacting with the media. As per my understanding, the work you have done can only be showcased through the media."
He added that the people are looking forward to his press conference, as he is always silent on burning topics.
"But, I don't think he will be able to leave an impact on the minds of the people. I am sure that this will be his last press conference," he added.
Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader Shivanand Tiwari said, "I think it will be the last press conference of Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister. I put forward his views considering the impending general elections. He will have to answer on the charges of corruption and indecisiveness of his government."
As far as Rahul Gandhi is concerned, Tiwari said the PM has already stated that he is ready to leave the chair for him to take over, and, is also ready to work under him.
"It is clear to him and the Congress that he is no longer a contender for the PM's post. In way it will be his farewell speech," he added.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's press advisor Ashok Tandon stressed that the main focus of PM's press conference would be his announcement about his future plans.
"There is a lot of speculation about the Prime Minister's press conference as he addresses the media only on rare occasion. It will be interesting to know what the PM is going to announce," he said.
"The Prime Minister's announcement about his future plans is going to be the main focus of this press conference. He may give an indication as he has done in the past that 'it is time for the younger generation to take over' but I doubt whether he will be giving any categorical answers," he added.
"This press conference comes close to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meet and it raises questions about the very purpose of this press conference," he said.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is addressing the press conference at the National Media Centre here today.
Dr. Singh is expected to spell out the steps taken to boost the economy besides addressing the issues of corruption and price rise.
Today's press conference will be Dr. Singh's second such interaction with the media in his second term as the Prime Minister, which began in May 2009.
He had addressed a press conference during his first term (2004-2009).
The press conference is taking place ahead of the All-India Congress Committee session on January 17 that may see Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi being named as the party's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections.
