Economy in dire straits because of UPA, Narendra Modi only hope: BJP

MUMBAI: BJP leader Piyush Goyal today said no farmer committed suicide in Gujarat during 2010-12 in comparison with Congress-ruled Maharashtra where the number of such incidents was highest in this period.

" Central government has noted that no farmer has committed suicide in Gujarat between 2010-12 when Maharashtra had highest number of farmers suicides during this period. Similarly, there was lesser unemployment in Gujarat and growth rate in agriculture, industry and service sector was higher than the national average," said Goyal, who is a Rajya Sabha MP and also the party treasurer.

He said economy was in "dire straits" because of policies of the UPA government.

"Economy is in doldrums because of lack of decision making and corruption under the watch of UPA," Goyal said.

"Those critical of Gujarat development model are ignoring basic facts...Even in social sector, the state is doing well," he claimed.

Goyal said investors felt that economic environment will be good if Modi becomes prime minister since has managed the state well.

Goyal attributed the upward trend in BSE sensex and rupee to strong sentiment that a Modi-led government will come to power after elections.