New Delhi, Apr 15 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that his decision to counter attack Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani was a conscious one.

Commenting on Advani's repeated charge that he was "weak Prime Minister", Dr. Singh said: "Any serious political observer knows my remarks on Advani are true. I owe it to myself and the people of India to show where the shoe pinches. Enough is enough."

Interacting with members of the Editors Guild of India, the Prime Minister targeted the BJP for its "personal remarks" against him, and said distribution of roles between him and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were conducive for greater efficiency in the functioning of the government.

Dr. Singh added that such an arrangement has worked well for the country.

Asked why he kept quiet for so long despite repeated personal attacks by Advani, Dr Singh said he did not respond earlier because he had not been named the Congress prime ministerial candidate.

Talking about his career, Dr Singh said he has been a politician since 1991 when he was the Finance Minister.

When asked about alliances, Dr. Singh said that future of Congress and Left parties coming together would depend on circumstances.

Remembering his experiences as a politician, Singh said he has dealt with the Left, RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav, SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav, AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa, the PDP, and had managed them all well. (ANI)