New Delhi: Ahead of Punjab Assembly elections, former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh took a dig at PM Narendra Modi over the ruling party's failure in handling the economic and foreign policies of the country. 

In a video message, Singh opined, "Relationships do not improve by giving hugs to politicians, or by going to eat biryani without invitation. Their (BJP govt's) nationalism is based on the British's divide and rule policy. Constitutional institutions are being weakened". 

"Rich people are getting richer while poor people are getting poorer. They (BJP-led govt) have no understanding of economic policy. The issue is not limited to the nation. This government has also failed on foreign policy. China is sitting at our border,  and efforts are being made to suppress it." 

Speaking on the issue of PM Modi's security breach during his visit to Punjab, Singh defended the party and Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi. He said, "People are remembering our (Congress) good work. They (BJP) tried to dishonour the Punjab CM and people of the state over PM Modi's security issue".

Meanwhile,  PM Narendra Modi was addressing a rally in Abohar in support of NDA candidates. 

The 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections will be held in Punjab on 20 February 2022 to elect the 117 members of the 16th Assembly of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. The votes will be counted and the results will be declared on 10 March 2022.