Left slams PM's address

"The Prime Minister has sought to defend the indefensible steps taken by the government. The Prime Minister has not answered how he could proceed with these measures when he does not have support of the overwhelming majority in Parliament," CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat told PTI.

His comments came after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation defending the decisions to introduce FDI in retail, hike diesel price and put a cap on subsidised LPG cylinders.

"Contrary to what he has said, the bulk of diesel is used by farmers irrigating their land and for trucks transporting goods. This price increase will harm farmers and stoke inflation," he said.

He also asked what has stopped the government from slapping high taxes on diesel-run luxury cars and SUVs to discourage their use.

On FDI in retail, he alleged it is well known that the entry of Walmart and other MNC chains will displace small shopkeepers and traders.

"Instead of regulating the existing organised retail trade, the government wants to set up monopoly chains controlled by foreign companies," Karat said.

CPI National Secretary D Raja described the address as a "very, very desperate" bid by the Prime Minister to reach out to people.

He claimed that Singh "miserably failed" to answer any question raised by common man and parties.