PM talks tough on economy, says UPA did not do enough

Says harsh steps needed, just singing his praises won't improve situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned of “tough decisions” over the next couple of years to improve the country’s financial health, which he said may not go down well with some sections, and attacked the way the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had handled the economy.

"Taking tough decisions and strong measures in the coming one or two years are needed to bring financial discipline, which will restore and boost the country’s self-confidence," he said addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers here.

This is the first occasion in less than three weeks since taking over the reins of power that Modi has made critical comments on the previous Manmohan Singh government’s peformance.

GET-TOUGH POLICIES

• For the first time in less than three weeks since taking over the reins of power, Modi has made critical comments on the previous government’s peformance
• Modi said tough measures may not go down well with everybody
• Said his measures and policies may dent the immense love the country’s people had given him

"I have taken over the reins of the country in circumstances when there is nothing left behind by the previous government. They left everything empty. The country’s financial health has hit the bottom," Modi said.

However, in the short run, such measures may not go down well with everybody, he said. "I am well aware that my steps may dent the immense love the country has given me. But when my countrymen would realise that these steps would result in getting the financial health back, then I will regain that love," said the prime minister.

On the other hand, if these tough measures were not taken, the financial situation would not improve, he said, adding, "we need to take action wherever required".

"We won’t be helping the country by praising Modi and praising BJP. There is no guarantee that just singing praises of Modi would improve the situation. We need to take harsh measures to improve the financial situation," he said.

Shortly later, Modi tweeted that "time has come to take tough decisions in the interest of the nation. Whatever decisions we take will be solely guided by national interest".