Shiv Sena (UBT) Cites SC Verdict to Defend Manmohan Singh, Seeks Apology from PM Modi

Mumbai, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict granting former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh complete posthumous relief in the Talabira-II coal block allocation case, saying the judgment reaffirmed his reputation for integrity and honesty.

In an editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said the verdict had erased what it described as the only major political allegation levelled against the former Prime Minister during his public life. It also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would acknowledge that the allegations against Dr Singh had proved unfounded and apologise for what it termed politically motivated accusations.

The editorial referred to Dr Singh as “Mr Clean” and maintained that he had never required judicial certification to establish his integrity. However, it said the Supreme Court’s ruling had formally vindicated him in a case that remained pending for years.

The case relates to the allocation of the Talabira-II coal block in Odisha. In 2015, a special court had issued summons to Dr Singh and several others. The Supreme Court later stayed the proceedings, and the matter remained pending until its final verdict.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that the prolonged legal process meant the former Prime Minister had to live under the shadow of allegations for years and was cleared only after his death. The editorial described this as a reflection of systemic delays in the justice delivery mechanism.

It further alleged that political opponents had used the controversy to target the then UPA government and derive electoral advantage over nearly two decades.

Concluding its editorial, the party said the verdict should prompt introspection within both the political establishment and the judiciary over the consequences of prolonged legal proceedings. It also questioned whether the nation should celebrate the clearing of Dr Singh’s name or regret that he did not live to witness the judgment in his favour.