Ganga Action Plan To Involve Local People

In the post reforms phase, the economic part of the manifestos of various political parties are in the limelight. Investors, both domestic and foreign, are keen to understand the mindset of these parties. Jairam Ramesh, secretary in the economic affairs cell of the Congress party, talks to Anil Padmanabhan about the economic promises detailed by his party.

Q: What is the difference between the Congress and the National Democratic Alliance manifestos on the approach to various economic issues?

A: The Congress is more specific and detailed, though the thrust is the same in both. But then it is understandable, since the NDA has to meet the demands of all the alliance partners. If we had to tie up with the CPM, then a bulk of the reform measures would have had to be renegotiated.

Q: But what is the credibility of the Congress in pushing through reforms? After all in Delhi, you have, after coming to power, virtually dropped the move to privatise Delhi Vidyut Board.

A: It is unfortunate that the Delhi government has gone slow on the privatisation of DVB, even though it