Sitharaman criticizes UPA, accuses Sonia Gandhi of acting as “super PM” during economic challenges
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, suggesting that her role as a “super Prime Minister” was central to the economic mismanagement issues during the UPA government’s tenure.
On Friday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a sharp critique of the Congress party, asserting that Sonia Gandhi, as the “super Prime Minister,” was fundamentally responsible for the economic mismanagement during the UPA regime.
During her response in the Lok Sabha regarding the discussion on the white paper on the Indian economy, Sitharaman emphasized that the paper did not include any unfounded allegations, and all its contents were supported by evidence.
Sitharaman asserted that the Congress party’s compromises on national security and delays in environmental clearances for projects were a result of leadership failure.
“The core issue during the UPA’s decade of mismanagement and corruption was leadership failure. The government lacked direction and effective leadership. Sonia Gandhi effectively acted as a ‘Super Prime Minister’ through her role as the Chairperson of the NAC (National Advisory Council), which wielded unaccountable and unconstitutional authority. Why were crucial decisions routed through such an opaque and non-answerable body?” Sitharaman queried.
She remarked that individuals who thrive on protests and were part of the NAC used to draft legislations, such as the Right to Food and the Right to Information. “Is this acceptable to Members of Parliament?” she questioned.
“When Dr. Manmohan Singh was away on a tour, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up the ordinance during a press conference. Wasn’t that a disrespectful act towards the Prime Minister of the country? He (Rahul Gandhi) showed no regard for his own Prime Minister,” she remarked.
Sitharaman also remarked that during the UPA government, there was a significant mismanagement in the defense sector, exemplified by the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam.
“The main characteristic of 2014, when we assumed responsibility for the economy, was a severe shortage of ammunition and defense equipment. Our soldiers lacked access to bulletproof jackets, and night vision goggles were unavailable,” Sitharaman stated.
“The main characteristic of 2014, when we assumed responsibility for the economy, was a severe shortage of ammunition and defense equipment. Our soldiers lacked access to bulletproof jackets, and night vision goggles were unavailable,” Sitharaman stated.
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