New Delhi: BJP on Thursday took potshots at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, alleging his "lack" of leadership had made the UPA government a "sinking ship" and prompted even allies like Trinamool Congress to declare that he should be moved to the President`s post.
"By offering his name as a candidate for President, the UPA allies have shown that they do not see Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister. The coalition partners of UPA want to relieve him of his duties and make him the President," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.
He charged there is lack of balance, leadership and mutual trust in UPA government.
"This is a leader-less government. UPA lacks direction. Under the leadership of Manmohan Singh, UPA is a sinking ship. If his own allies do not have trust in him, how can the country trust him?" Hussain said seizing on the discomfiture in UPA over Presidential nominee choice.
BJP alleged the PM and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee have failed to control price rise and not taken strong steps they promised to deal with the problem.
The oppposition party alleged that inspite of the present crisis in UPA over choosing a Presidential candidate, the "arrogance" of Congress refuses to ebb. "Even today, Congress has answered its allies in an arrogant language," Hussain said.
The party maintained the rift in UPA is clearly visible.
"At a time when Congress should be clearing its name in a slew of corruption cases, it is busy trying to save the coalition... It is cornered by its own problems and no more concerned about the country," Hussain said.
BJP claimed the "failures" of UPA government and the Prime Minister were now affecting the standing of Congress President Sonia Gandhi too.
"Mamata Banerjee cancelled at 10, Janpath the two names given by Sonia Gandhi for President`s post. Later, with Mulayam Singh Yadav, she offered three names to Sonia Gandhi.... The trust in coalition dharma has ended... Now, the leadership of Sonia Gandhi is also being questioned by allies at her doorstep," Hussain said.
Asked if the name of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, floated by TMC and SP, was acceptable to NDA, Hussain said "Kalam is a respected leader. The country takes pride in him.
NDA will meet tomorrow to discuss the present political situation and the Presidential elections. Names will also be discussed in the meeting."
However, he maintained Congress should first come out with its candidate and then NDA will spell out its stand.
The party also expressed disappointment with Mukherjee alleging the Finance Minister has failed to take concrete measures to check prices.
"Today, he did not say anything about effective steps being taken to curb price rise. He only said prices have gone up marginally, as if that is an achievement," Hussain said.
He sought to know why oil prices have not come down when at the international level the cost of crude has fallen to $82.84 per gallon.
PTI
