PMO attacks former media adviser Baru on his book

Prime Minister's Office on Friday came down heavily on former media adviser Sanjaya Baru accusing him of "misusing" a privileged position for commercial gain in writing a book in which he says Manmohan Singh had been undermined by the Congress party.

Minutes after excerpts of Baru's book 'The Accidental Prime Minister-The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh' became public, the PMO issued a statement in which it said, "it is an attempt to misuse a privileged position and access to high office to gain credibility to apparently exploit it for commercial gain.”

"The commentary smacks of fiction and coloured views of a former adviser."

The PMO said Singh had been asked a question about Baru's "comments" when he had met senior editors in October last.

Do not believe all he is saying, the PM was quoted as having told the editors.

Image: Former media adviser Sanjaya Baru

Photograph: Raman Pruthi