“I think the current economic crisis is the worst since Independence. But instead of taking constructive measures, our PM is still on silent mode,” he said.
“During the 2004-08 period of the Vajpayee-government, India was a current account-surplus state; now we have a current account deficit that is continuously widening. The fiscal deficit, too, is going beyond the government’s control. The first five years of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) were comparatively better, as those were boosted by the policies of the previous NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government,” Singh said.
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During UPA-II, the country’s economy has touched its lowest point, addressing an event organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
He added the BJP was “fortunate” to have Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a prime ministerial candidate.
Singh hit out at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his “drama” over the controversial ordinance protecting convicted public representatives. “If he had opposition, he could have said that personally to his own government. By doing this public drama, he has not only insulted the PM, but also hurt the prestige of the country.”
On Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad being convicted by a Central Bureau of Investigation court in the fodder scam, Singh said, “The court has done its job. We always welcome court verdict. I do not want to comment on the details of the matter. But such things surely hit the credibility of the political class. In the BJP, we always try ensure such things never happen to our party.”
On whether the BJP was trying to bring former ally Trinamool Congress (TMC) under the NDA fold, Singh said, “There is no proposal from TMC. So, the question on keeping our door open or closed for Mamata (Banerjee, TMC chief) does not arise.”
Singh criticised the Left for its “misrule in Bengal”. “They (the Left) got 35 years, which was enough to bring prosperity to a state; but they failed miserably.”