Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh Monday criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for "its failure to tackle" the issues of price rise, corruption and black money.
Addressing a press conference here, the former BJP president said: "India today is facing a crisis on its economic front as the spiralling prices of essential commodities have made the survival of common man extremely difficult."
He said the recent hike in petroleum prices, the seventh in the past 11 months, had dealt a body blow to the common man.
Attacking the government for attempting to increase the prices of diesel, kerosene and domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) once again, he said: "It gives a clear indication that the UPA government is worried about the profit of petroleum companies."
"Despite the fluctuations in the price of oil in international market, petrol is being sold in neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan at a much lesser price than in India," he said.
Rajnath Singh also said the government was evasive on the issues of graft and black money stashed abroad by rich Indians.
"The government should publish a white paper on its action plan on the issues of black money and corruption.
"If the government is serious in its intent and commitment, then it could convene a special session of parliament just after the conclusion of monsoon session to discuss and formulate a national policy against black money and corruption," he said.
IANS
First Published: Monday, June 13, 2011, 14:36