PM declines to comment on Bush remarks on global food crisis

New Delhi, May 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today evaded queries on the remarks of US President George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the increasing consumption levels of the Indian middle class which, they said, had resulted in food shortages in their country.

''I don't have to comment'' on whatever was stated by others, the Prime Minister said at the Padma awards function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

''I don't want to get into arguments with foreign dignitaries,'' he said.

Asked about the Opposition criticising him for maintaining a silence on the issue, he said the opposition parties were in the habit of raising allegations against him on everything.

UNI SN RP DB2030