Opposition parties on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Independence Day speech, saying it was “uninspiring” and that he had nothing new to offer on how to tackle inflation.
The principal opposition party BJP said Singh’s address was “lacklustre” and “uninspiring” and that it did not address critical issues like corruption and price rise while CPI(M) said nothing new has been said by the Prime Minister.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi voiced dissatisfaction at the address, saying he heard the speech not as a Chief Minister but as a common man and that he was disappointed.
The BJP strongman said he was surprised to hear the prime minister talk about difficulties to control inflation or cite coalition compulsions.
Mr. Modi also accused the prime minister of waking up late to the issue of skill development in the nation.
Emphasising on job creation infusing requisite skills to the youths, Dr. Singh said a specialised agency would be set up to facilitate training of eight crore people in the next five years.
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said, “PM’s speech was completely listless and a speech which was not instilling any new confidence in the nation“.
“The speech just mentioned but did not give any direction on the issues the nation and the people of the country are facing -- price rise, inflation, corruption, the black money, slowing economy, monsoon deficit, and drought. It did not address any of these issues.” “People were expecting some new announcement and resolve of the government to solve the issues facing the nation. It was a complete lacklustre, routine speech and was totally uninspiring,” he said.
CPI(M) MP Nilotpal Basu said the prime minister has not said anything new and that he only repeated his passion for economic growth.
“The PM hasn’t said about the issues such as hunger and inflation which are affecting our country,” he added.
As I was listening to the Prime Minister's Speech, I was praying along
in my heart giving thanks for our Prime Minister to whom the heart
responds. Humility and graciousness in a leader does that! I believe a
great leader is one who wins the hearts of the people. Such people are
rare.
The Bible says " Whatsoever is true, whatsoever is noble, whatsoever
is pure, whatsoever is praiseworthy - think about such things" It also
says we are to "pray for those who rule over us". We give thanks for
the good and ask for improvement of that not so good.
The ongoing journey towards development is and will always be a
challenge. I was also praying for maturity of those in politics and for them to
be able to disagree with a higher level of maturity, poise, finesse and dignity. Some citizens of India watch,wait and pray for God to raise such men and women for leading our great nation. Are you that person? A comment like this betrays the level of the one who spoke and is not winsome.
And much more uninspiring is this comment from a main opposition party, quite kiddish. Certainly country will never be safe in their hands. Congress has much more matured politicians so the country is looking some shape else with such economic crises over worldwide, it could be very hard for India to survive. What respected PM mentioned is true facts and making awareness among citizens.
In the 'coalition' era, the political parties and alliances have become unnecessarily aggressive and adopting a 'dog eat dog' philosophy. Constructive criticism or well intended suggestions and responsible opposition have become mere media phrases.
Consequently, whimsical policies leading to policy paralysis is crippling growth and development in all sectors. Scandals and corruption are filling the newspaper columns every other day. When will the conscientious politician arrive? When will the vibrant democracy that we gloat about return? Jai Hind1
Please Email the Editor