Opposition calls PM Modi’s PTI interview ‘scripted’, ‘hollow’
The Congress on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interview with the Press Trust of India, calling it “not an interview at all” and branding it a “carefully scripted” and “desperate public relations exercise.”
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister, “under siege and attack” over what he termed a surrender to the U.S. on a trade deal, was once again resorting to his “favourite tactic” of headline management.
Ramesh took a swipe at PM Modi’s remarks in the interview, saying they were marked by “Modi-style one-liners that mean little in reality”.
The Congress leader accused Modi of attempting to divert attention from what he called a “betrayal” of lakhs of farmers and other “capitulations.”
“His so-called interview is no interview, but a carefully scripted and desperate PR exercise,”. Ramesh said, adding, “Pradhan Mantri jhuke bhi hain, aur thake bhi hain. (Prime Minister has surrendered and is tired.)”
Calling the Union Budget a “damp squib”, Ramesh said it clearly shows “every sign of intellectual exhaustion.”
“Markets have reacted negatively and investors have been unimpressed. This is why the Prime Minister feels the need to give an interview a fortnight after the Budget was presented and days after it was taken apart by the Opposition in Parliament,” he said.
The remarks came after Modi, in an interview with PTI, said this year’s Budget was not a “now or never” moment born out of compulsion, but a “we are ready” moment shaped by preparation and inspiration.
CPI general secretary D. Raja called Narendra Modi’s remarks a mockery of the “toiling masses” who are facing an unprecedented distress, according to The Hindu.
Raja went on to say: “PM should stop this rhetoric, he must be realistic and reasonable in addressing the concerns and issues of the nations. He does not seem to be familiar with micro-realities of the economy and the country.”
“More hollow words from PM Modi, aka Teleprompter Tycoon, who runs away from speaking on the floor of Parliament,” said Trinamool Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’ Brien.
