Confident PM says reforms is an ongoing process

He also said he will discuss allies concerns

A confident Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, today reasserted that the reforms were an ongoing process and the government would be able to handle the concerns of coalition partners over decisions like cap on LPG cylinders, diesel hike etc. The UPA has been bolstering its stand on sticking to the reform path by highlighting the need to revive economic growth and reduce the subsidy burden. The favourable apex court judgement on 2G stating that auctioning of natural resources was not the only option; has come as a shot in the arm for the Manmohan Singh led UPA II. 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the oath taking ceremony of the new chief justice Altamas Kabir today, Singh said, “We will do what is good for the country... Reforms are not one-off process,” he said.

The PM’s new found assertion stems from the robust backing the government has got from the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the party. Despite the second largest ally Trinamool Congress’ withdrawal over its opposition to the reforms, when at the recent UPA coordination committee meeting existing allies the DMK and the NCP demanded a reconsideration of measures like increasing the cap on LPG cylinders from six to 12, an adamant government refused to yield.

Questioned about the concerns expressed by alliance partners, Singh said their concerns could be discussed.

DMK representative TR Baalu and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had pointed out at the UPA allies meeting to the Congress led UPA that such decisions could affect their electoral prospects. Pawar had also spoken of the “vast impact” such unpopular decisions could have.

When asked to respond to this today Singh said categorically, "We are far away from elections."
An unfazed prime minister Singh, when asked about the recent attacks on him by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "I am not bitter about anything." Banerjee’s barbs at the UPA have become more stinging by the day. The Bengal unit of the Congress is even contemplating filing a defamation case against her of mimicking the Prime Minister in one of her press conferences.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's comment on the government’s controversy riddled decision of bringing in FDI in multi brand retail at the BJP rally in Faridabad on Friday; wherein he said it was “aimed at pleasing the USA.” Modi had even alluded to Sonia Gandhi’s visits to the US as being linked to the UPA’s decision to bring in FDI.

Responding sharply to it he said, “What has the US got to do with this. We are not a country to be dictated by others.”

Ever since Singh backed the nuclear treaty with the USA in the face of stiff opposition from all quarters, even risking the survival of his then government, he has been accused of acting at the behest of the USA. Modi’s attack on him was again a bid to revive that criticism of the Opposition.
Singh’s new found assertiveness which has evident in his televised address to the nation, was definitely again on display today as he adroitly fielded questions from reporters; significant for a Prime Minister who preferred his “silence to speak for itself.”