Manmohan Singh seeks opposition unity to defeat BJP
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Urging the opposition to unite in their shared desire to defeat the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday hit out at the Modi government for the crises-like all-round situation in the country due to rising fuel prices and farm distress.
Manmohan Singh said the BJP-led central government had "miserably" failed in controlling fuel prices and fulfilling the promises made to the people before the 2014 elections.
"Circumstances show that the situation has gone beyond control now. Farmers, businessmen, youth are facing crises in their respective fields. The government has failed miserably in fulfilling the promises made to common people.
"The time has come to change the party in the Centre and this will happen very soon," he said, addressing a protest rally at the Ramlila ground here.
"The parties opposing the present government should forget their differences and come together for maintaining the unity and secular identity of the country. We need to draw the collective benefit of the unity shown (here)," he said.
The former Prime Minister along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi joined the protest march that started from Rajghat and culminated at Ramlila ground.
The march as part of a nationwide protest, or "Bharat Bandh", was led by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.
The former Prime Minister appreciated the presence of around 20 political opposition parties joining the Congress in the protest against the government.
He said it was a significant moment ahead of the general elections next year and "we should take advantage of this (unity) and bring about a movement" in the country.
The protest was called by the Congress and Left parties against the spiralling cost of petrol and diesel which have reached record levels.
The protest was supported by several opposition parties including the Janata Dal-Secular, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Nationalist Congress Party, Loktantrik Janata Dal, Rashtriya Lok Dal, All India United Democratic Front, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Aam Aadmi Party among others.
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Lungi Ngidi fit to play against CSK
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel on Monday said Lungi Ngidi is set to return to action after recovering from the head injury he suffered in a home game against Punjab Kings on April 25.
Ngidi was stretchered off the field and rushed to a hospital after falling on his head while attempting a catch. The injury led to the South African pacer missing two games.
"Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn't play two games because of the criterion of six days' rest," said Munaf ahead of the game against Chennai Super Kings.
The bowling attack will be bolstered with the return of Ngidi. Mitchell Starc has also joined the team and made an instant impact in his first appearance of the season against Rajasthan Royals.
Against Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals were not able to defend 264 conceding a record run chase.
Starc's presence is bound to make a difference, said Munaf.
"When there is a wicket-taking bowler in the PowerPlay, the whole scenario changes. 220 or 230 is being chased because you are not able to take wickets in the PowerPlay.
"When the main bowler is there and takes a few wickets in the PowerPlay, it makes a big difference. Bowling in partnerships was missing, but that has been added now," said Munaf.
On David Miller missing out from the playing eleven in the last game, Munaf added: "You can only fit in four foreigners in the XI. Sahil was injured, so we needed an opener and we thought of giving Pathum another chance. We had to play two overseas fast bowlers. So only one between Pathum and Miller could play. We went with Pathum because an opener was required."
