PMO criticises 'Time' magazine report on Dr Singh

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, V Narayanasamy on Tuesday rubbished Time magazine's description of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as an "underachiever".

"In Time magazine, some allegations have been made against the prime minister. I condemn this article, as it is rubbish. The criticism is unwarranted, it is not based on any fact," Narayanasamy said.

"Our prime minister has performed very well, and we are marching forward. In European countries, there is hardly any growth, but we are growing. Even in agriculture, we have grown," he said.

"We will get FDI in our country. Because new policies have been announced by our prime minister," he added. 

He further said that India is in a coalition era, and some adjustments have to be made. 

"We are carrying forward the agenda. Our prime minister, our government under the guidance of UPA (United Progressive Alliance)Chairperson Madam Sonia Gandhi, in coming two years, we will prove that our growth reaches nine per cent. We will compete with China in this field," he added. 

Reacting to the Bharatiya Janata Party's comments on the prime minister and the government, Narayanasamy said, "BJP leaders have forgotten that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also criticized by this magazine."

It may be recalled here that the Time magazine had published a story on Vajpayee on June 10, 2002, the title of which was "Asleep At The Wheel". The BJP had gone ballistic over the magazine article then, as it asked whether Vajpayee's failing health still makes him the ideal guy to govern India.

The BJP had on Sunday used the Time magazine story dubbing Dr Singh as an "underachiever" to laud the achievements of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The cover of the Time Magazine's March 26 issue featured Modi, with the caption: "Modi means business, but can he lead India".

The magazine has also raised questions on Manmohan Singh's ability to act in the face of slowing growth, widespread charges of policy inaction and the unpopularity of business reforms.

"India needs a robot. Is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh up to the job?" asked the weekly magazine.

"The laws that could help create growth and jobs are stuck in parliament, sparking concerns that politicians have lost the plot in their focus on short-term populist measures that will win votes," said the magazine, while criticizing the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.