Just after the speech Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress Chief and West Bengal Chief asked : “I want to ask what is the definition of aam aadmi? Is it not becoming clear that the use of the name of aam aadmi, and misuse of power of chair. Is it to finish aam aadmi? Is it the game plan.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar another leader of Trinamool Congress said PM was a gentleman, a learned man. “But the Congress has no touch with the common man, though they keep talking about aam aadmi. Cut in subsidy will create problems for the middle class”.
”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 said.
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said that there was nothing new in the PM’s speech
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the Prime Minister tried to mislead the country in his speech. “He appeared advocating the interests of foreign countries and not the Indians, he leads”.
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said If PM wanted to show intent, he should have acted against corruption. Instead he has burdened the common man.
Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari said 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”.
D Raja, of CPI said that the address was very very desperate. He miserably failed to answer any questions raised by common man and parties.
Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi while defending PM said the Prime Minister has explained each and everything as to why under the present circumstances, tough steps taken by the government were necessary. This should be appreciated by other parties.
The corporate world has welcomed the PM speech saying it was balanced and encouraging
Chairman of the Godrej Group and president of CII, Adi Godrej termed the speech as very balanced saying PM clearly explained that these steps were very necessary.
“His comparison with 1991 was very apt. I am impressed with the action last week and today’s speech; the government has good support. Mamata’s pullout may strengthen the government – the stock market went up and the rupee appreciated. A stronger rupee will lead to lower inflation” he said.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw MD, Biocon said that PM gave a very cogent explanation of the urgency for reforms. He reached out to the people to explain how he can’t afford India to reach a situation like some European countries where people are losing their jobs. I wish he had done this earlier. We can’t have a prime minister who keeps large periods of silence.
