New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday described Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Independence Day speech as "lacklustre" and "uninspiring", saying it did not address issues facing the nation like corruption and price rise.
"The dream of touching 12 per cent growth rate seems to be impossible and it looks that it will be less than 5 per cent which is a cause of concern. Today we should put aside other things and think for the country and work for rebuilding of the nation," said BJP president Nitin Gadkari while unfurling the Tricolour here.
Taking on the government, Gadkari said, "There are many problems being faced by the people today. Farmers are committing suicide and unemployment and inflation are increasing by day. Price rise has touched a new high."
BJP leader LK Advani urged PM Manmohan Singh to ensure the rehabilitation of the many thousands displaced by Assam's ethnic violence.
Talking to the media after hoisting the national flag at his residence here, Advani said the attacks on Bodo tribals in Assam should be seen as an attack against all Indians.
"The Prime Minister, who is elected from Assam, should ensure that the people displaced in the violence are rehabilitated soon," he said.
Referring to the Prime Minister's speech, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said, "PM's speech was completely listless and a speech which was not instilling any new confidence in the nation".
"The speech just mentioned but did not give any direction on the issues the nation and the people of the country are facing - price rise, inflation, corruption, the black money, slowing economy, monsoon deficit, and drought. It did not address any of these issues."
"People were expecting some new announcement and resolve of the government to solve the issues facing the nation. It was a complete lacklustre, routine speech and was totally uninspiring," he said.
Greeting the people on the occasion of Independence Day, Gadkari said, "We have tried for development in the country in many fields in the last 65 years. But we have to fulfil the promise of Ram Rajya made at the time of Independence. We have to take a pledge to fulfil the dream of Ram Rajya in the country."
PTI/IANS
First Published: Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 12:04