Can a sad, helpless man lead a resurgent nation, asks BJP

Amid reports of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh having felt let down by his allies backing out on the Indo-US nuclear deal, the BJP said on Tuesday the reality of a "sad and helpless" leader was a cause for national worry.

The saffron party said the nation needed an "enthusiastic leader" who was decisive and not "helpless".

"The nation needs to reflect on a question: Can a sad man lead a resurgent nation? Neither the PM nor his office is doing the nation a favour by projecting him as a helpless leader," senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said.

Reacting to the statement, the Congress said: "A patriot will become emotional and sentimental when the country's credibility and prestige is in jeopardy."