New Delhi, April 3 – Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on Tuesday hit out at the BJP and its PM nominee Narendra Modi saying the UPA was facing a personality cult in which one person is being projected above the party.
Speaking to the media at a briefing, Sharma said, “It resembles dictatorial and fascist behaviour.” Attacking the BJP, he said, “In BJP, there is no clarity of thought and that is why there is a delay in bringing out their manifesto.”
Sharma said the Gujarat model of democracy was seriously flawed in a direct potshot at Modi. “Narendra Modi has not addressed any press conference. Modi doesn’t participate in question hour in the Assembly. Gujarat has suspended opposition for entire session. This is not a good example or model of democracy.”
Continuing his anti-Modi tirade, Sharma said, “Modi has himself, during his public meetings, started claiming himself PM. Modi is arrogant and rude. We wish to make people aware about what will be the best for the country. Only Congress can best strengthen the country.”
Fielding questions on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi meeting Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari recently, Sharma said, “There is no harm in meeting gurus or sufi sants. BJP’s intention is of saffronisation because they have chosen Varanasi as seat for their PM candidate.”
On the economy, he said the economy was doing exceptionally well. “When NDA was in office, Sensex was below 5 per cent. The rupee in UPA tenure has shown the strongest recovery when compared to other currencies,” Sharma said.
A wee bit on the defensive over the perceived scams under the UPA’s watch, Sharma said, “The word scam should not be used loosely. Many matters are still sub-judice. We deserve credit and not criticism. We have brought about transparency.”
-INDIA TODAY
