Advani softens stand on PM; slams Assange's remarks on him

New Delhi, Apr 17: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh received support from an unexpected quarter when senior BJP leader L K Advani described as "highly uncomplimentary" some remarks made by Wikileaks editor Julian Assange about him.

In the context of the India-related leaked American diplomatic cables, Assange had said that though he didn't have proof it seemed that the Indian Prime Minister was not personally corrupt but "here's a clear attempt to cover up for the possible corruption of other people."

The remarks were made by Assange in an interview carried by The Hindu where he was asked to react on Prime Minister Singh questioning the authenticity of the leaked US diplomatic cables.

"In the context of the Government of India's reaction to the leaks relating to India, Assange's comments about the Indian Prime Minister were highly uncomplimentary," said Advani, who has often targeted Prime Minister Singh on various issues.

In his blog, Advani also praised The Hindu in respect of Wikileaks, saying it has "really made history" by offering to its readers articles and "valuable" reports based on a selection from 5,100 India Cables, aggregating six million words.

PTI