Prez address rehash of BJP manifesto: Sitaram Yechury

Yechury, however, pointed out that unlike the previous UPA govt, the address did not mention about the 100-day target of the NDA

CPI(M) today attacked the government over the President's address to the Joint Session of Parliament, describing it as compilation of election slogans and rehash of BJP manifesto.

"Compilation of election slogans and rehash of BJP manifesto were repeated in the speech. But how it will be implemented was not there. It has only expressed intention not the solution," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said here.

He further said, "Generally President's speech mentions about the government's blue print for the coming year. But here it is missing. So you have to wait for the Budget to know it."

President Pranab Mukherjee in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament unveiled the NDA government's action plan on core areas such as infrastructure development, health, education, Ganga cleaning and tourism.

Yechury, however, pointed out that unlike the previous UPA government, the address did not mention about the 100-day target of the NDA.

"They have not set out a 100-day target. The last government in 2009 had declared the target but could not fulfill it. That is why perhaps they have not set the target. It is once bitten, twice shy," Yechury said.

On the announcement of constitution of SIT to unearth black money, he said, "It is nothing new. It was a direction of the Supreme Court to form SIT to unearth black money."

Questioning the plan for new IITs, IIMs, he said, "The 12th Plan has sought refurbishing of current IITs and not creating new ones. So if the government takes a new decision then the 12th Plan which has already been approved and in the midst of implementation, has to be amended and rewritten."

Yechuri sought to know whether there will be a new version of Five-Year Plan and if so "it will be unprecedented".

On the government's promise for high growth, he said it has not been specified how it is going to be achieved.

"Unless people have purchasing power you cannot have demand. The demand in manufacturing sector is declining. It is declining in auto sector, consumer durables. So again we have to wait for the budget to see how it can be done."

Hitting out at corporate houses, Yechury said, "Democracy is under strain as unprecedented use of money power witnessed in this election. Corporate houses have spent hugely in the elections.