Sinha describes austerity measures as tokenism

The UPA government's austerity measures was dubbed as 'tokenism', by BJP leader Yashwant Sinha today.

"The nation is reeling under economic crisis, and the current austerity measures look like tokenism. The government should take serious steps to save money," Sinha told a press conference here.

He referred to an an Expenditure Reforms Commission having been set up when he was finance minister in the Vajpayee government to control expenditure. "I used to travel in economy class to set an example."

Commenting on Union Home minister P Chidambaram's visit to the United States, Sinha said Pakistan would not take action against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and mastermind of the 26/11 attack, Hafeez Sayeed.

"Pakistan will never touch Hafeez Sayeed because he is an ISI agent. The government should say what action it will take if Pakistan is not acting on its six dossiers," he said.

Sinha, who was going to Delhi said, "The Election Commission has given us appointment on Wednesday. A high-level delegation will meet the EC and apprise it of the necessity of early elections in the state."

Jharkhand has been under President's Rule since January 19.