PM misleading country, FDI decision indefensible: Opp

The ruling Congress, however, stoutly backed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that he has explained in detail why the government had to take the tough measures and it should be appreciated by all parties.

"In his speech, the Prime Minister tried to mislead the country. He appeared advocating the interests of foreign countries and not the Indians he leads," BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told PTI.

JD-U spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari alleged that the Prime Minister was trying to "spread confusion" in the country on the issue of economic reforms.

"Everybody knows that a major share of petrol and diesel is imported. But what steps has the government taken to bring down the consumption. He is accusing the Opposition of creating confusion on the issue but, in fact, Singh himself is doing so," Tiwari said.

Noting that a number of multi-national companies are already in retail, he asked as to "what work they have done so far to develop infrastructure in the country."

"To say that their arrival will improve the condition of farmers is absurd. This policy will create new set of middlemen," Tiwari said.

Left parties described the Prime Minister's rare televised address to the nation on the recent measures taken by the government as an attempt to "defend the indefensible" and questioned how can it take such decisions when it does not enjoy "overwhelming" majority in Parliament.

"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 it does not have the support of the overwhelming majority in Parliament," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told PTI.