RSS chief says flawed Central policies caused economic slide

Says the common man is reeling under the unbearable weight of unending price rise

The Rashtriya Swayayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat today blamed "intrinsically flawed" policies of the Congress-led UPA government at Centre for the economic downturn and also struck down the talks on India becoming a economic super power.

"The economic condition of the nation has a direct and instant bearing on the routine and life of the common people.. ...And presently the common man is reeling under the unbearable weight of unending price rise," Bhagwat said while addressing the annual Dussehra gathering at Reshimbagh ground here.

Without referring to populist schemes of government, Bhagwat said, "the fiscal deficit, current account deficit and depleting foreign exchange reserve have led to stagnation of the economic growth, besides a steep rise in foreign debt in comparison to GDP clearly indicates that our economic policies are wrong," Bhagwat said.

"It is a matter of concern that we are searching all means to arrest the trend of fall of rupee in international market, so as to tide over the imminent economic crisis," the RSS chief said while accusing government of being "adamant" by not changing its course of action and sticking to the rigid policies.

Coming down heavily on FDI in retail, Bhagwat said the move will dent the future prospects of retail business and entrepreneurs. "Wrong policies and corruption go together. It seems even after two massive agitations and public resentment against corruption and exposure of rampant corruption at highest echelons of power, the real culprits involved in such acts are roaming free," he said.

He alleged that instead of enacting stringent laws to check corrupt practices, the government was bringing in laws that are "intrinsically flawed and are full of loopholes". Bhagwat also appealed to voters to do a proper due diligence of candidates contesting the 2014 elections.

"First ensure that names figure in the voters' list and than minutely evaluate the policies of contending political parties and also the character of the candidates while exercising the franchise," Bhagwat said.