Economic problems Manmohan's gift to the nation, says BJP

New Delhi, Feb 12

Hitting back at former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his criticism of Narendra Modi governments' economic policies, the BJP said on Friday that the problems are his gift to the nation.

"He rightly identifies a lot of issues Indian economy is facing. These problems are his gift to the nation. He himself admits that when they were in power, people complained of tax terrorism. Can he tell us if he addressed this problem?" the ruling party said here in a statement.

"But we believe in solutions and not problems, and are solving all legacy problems left by UPA," it added.

Manmohan Singh, in an interview, criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party government for its economic policies, saying it has not been able to benefit from falling oil prices and "fortuitous circumstances" to boost the rate of investment in the country.

The Bharatiya Janata Party also hit out at Singh for being critical of the Modi government.

"We are absolutely delighted with the fact that Manmohan Singh has finally found his voice in the Modi regime. We welcome him to a free India where everyone can speak what he thinks unlike the India when even he as the PM was denied his free speech," the party said.

"When he was the PM his silence and inability to act against corruption hurt India's image internationally and put citizens trust in the Government at an all time low," it added.

The BJP also accused Manmohan Singh of batting only for one family rather to the nation.

"Perhaps he hasn't been following the news properly enough and so gives the rich advice that the PM belongs to the entire nation. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and India First are our government's guiding mantra. He conveniently forgets that he was a PM who batted only for one family," the party said.