Modi slams Centre over 'lack of seriousness, pessimism'

Fresh from his electoral triumph, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at the Centre's policies which "lack urgency or seriousness" and the "sense of pessimism" in the 12th Plan.

"It seems that there is no urgency or seriousness in tackling the economic crises facing the country. There has been a virtual lack of direction in the macroeconomic management of the country," Modi said at the 57th National Development Council meting in Delhi. Copies of the speech were circulated at the venue.

Attacking the government for lowering the growth target for the 12th Plan, Modi said though the target of 9 per cent GDP growth, talked about last year, appeared ambitious, "it was not impossible to achieve if we had the political will to do what is necessary".

"In this context, it is painful to note the unmistakable sense of pessimism in the 12th Plan document. Significantly lowering the growth targets of the 12th Plan will further add to the mood of despondency and pessimism in the country and cast increasing doubts on the sustainability of the India Growth Story," he said.

Modi sought to project the Gujarat model of development by listing out the initiatives taken by him in various sectors including agriculture, urban development and decentralised planning.

Modi, who was sworn-in as chief minister for the fourth time on Wednesday, was greeted by several leaders including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Modi walked up to Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to greet him on his recent electoral victory in the state polls.