The Hindu Business Line : Govt had 'a reasonably good term', says PM

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh has said his government has had “a reasonably good term” in office till now but rubbished the claim of Left parties that the Indian economy escaped the raging financial crisis due to their policies.

“We have had a reasonably good term and I would not deny that over the last few months inflation had become a problem. Also, recently because of the global factors, the financial crisis is having some effect on our economy. Therefore, we are obliged to t ake corrective measures,” he said.

“To say that I am not worried would not be correct. It is my duty as Prime Minister to worry when things don't go as planned,” the economist-turned politician said on board his special aircraft while returning home from his two-nation tour of Japan and C hina last evening.

The Prime Minister was asked whether he was concerned about the economic crisis, months ahead of the general elections.

Asked to comment on the view of the Left parties that India has largely escaped the effects of the global financial turmoil due to their policies, the Prime Minister said: “I am afraid I don't agree.”

“Strengthening India's banking system, strengthening India's insurance system has enabled us to deal with the crisis more effectively,” he said.

“I beg to differ. But I am not very happy to part company with our Left colleagues.”

“In my view India is faced with difficult problems, all parties which are committed to secularism and nationalism must work together to deal with communal and regional divide which is being sought to be created by some anti-social elements,” Mr Singh sai d. - PTI

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