New Delhi: Manmohan Singh stated that although the Opposition did not think he would last as Prime Minister, he believed it was his destiny to hold the post.

“They didn’t even believe I would last as Prime Minister and some leaders even did havans that I should die on a certain day. But I have faith in a higher force. I believe it was my destiny to be the Prime Minister. I have the courage of conviction,” Dr. Singh said in an interview.

Dr. Singh also said that the BJP position is disappointing.”

While responding to the comments, the BJP wanted an excuse from him.

“We still cannot believe that a prime minister can ever make such comments in this century. It’s appalling. He should better understand that ‘havans’ are held for well-being and not to pray for somebody’s death,” senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra said.

“He owes an apology to the nation for such ridiculous comments. Can he name anybody who had organized those ‘havans’?” Mr. Malhotra said.

The Congress said Dr. Singh was not given to overstatement and overstatement.

Party representative Abhishek Singhvi alleged that the BJP had “utter disrespect” for Constitutional authorizations, be it the Chief Election Commissioner or the judiciary or the Prime Minister.