Our image is quite shining: Chidambaram

In an apparent jibe at BJP, he says compared to political friends our image is great

"Our image is quite shining", Finance Minister P Chidambaram quipped today in an apparent jibe at BJP rattled by the Advani-Modi controversy.

The image of the UPA government is not a cause for concern and would not affect the performance of the economy, Chidambaram said at a press meet here.

"What's wrong with the image of the government? Compared to the political image of some of our friends, our image is quite shining," he said.

The Minister was replying to a question on whether the image of the government, which has been facing charges of involvement in several scams, will hamper the economy.

He evaded a question on the Prime Minister's Office not sharing information under RTI Act on the business deals of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

Chidambaram asked the reporters to confine themselves to queries on the economy.

He also refused to answer a question on whether the government is financially sound enough to bear the burden of a Food Security law if it is passed.

"I cannot answer questions on issues which have not been decided," he said.

The Food Security Bill is pending in the Lok Sabha. Several political parties, including BJP and the Left, are of the view that though there is need for such a legislation, it should be passed only after due consultations and incorporating some changes.

They are opposed to passage of an Ordinance on the matter.