Taking exception to certain remarks of Leader of Opposition LK Advani against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday dubbed these as "uncharitable".
"How can he (Advani) say the Prime Minister is handpicked? He (Singh) was elected unanimously by the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP)," Mukherjee told reporters accompanying him on a visit to Ethiopia during a stopover in Dubai.
"These are uncharitable comments," he said referring to Advani's remarks against the Prime Minister.
Hailing Singh, Mukherjee said he was an outstanding Finance Minister and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha.
Mukherjee also attacked Advani for his comments that there was no major issue in the ongoing Presidential election, saying these remarks were "totally uncalled for and unjustified" and aimed at "distracting" attention.
He noted that the Presidential poll was not a general election when political parties seek mandate from the electorate to form the government.
Various issues -- national, international and local -- are discussed and debated in general elections, Mukherjee said.
"Never in Presidential election has any major issue been raised," he said.