Little support from allies, BJP blocks reforms: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his interaction with TV editors on Wednesday, blamed the Opposition, particularly BJP, for policy paralysis. But this blame-casting may not entirely explain the issue as bold and tough measures are stuck on account of lack of backing from coalition partners and low enthusiasm on part of the Congress.

The prime minister sought to pat his government on the back for leading the country to a 8.5% growth-rate this fiscal, notwithstanding the unfavourable international situation, but the fact remains that he has been unable to rein in inflation, particularly the prices of food items, which have hurt the common man badly, sending his household budget into a tailspin.

The prime minister has been forced to contend with intense resistance from the allies, particularly the Trinamool Congress and DMK, and powerful sections of his own party, to go slow on reformist impulses in various fields. The Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill, and the accompanying legislation on resettlement and rehabilitation, have been stuck because of a steadfast opposition from Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

As things stand, there is little likelihood of any progress in the twin pieces of legislation till assembly polls in West Bengal are through.

Similarly, if the government has been forced to put on the backburner, or jettison altogether, crucial reform measures such as the introduction and passage of Pension Funds Regulatory and Development Authority bill, multi-brand retail and overhauling of the antiquated labour laws, it has more to do with pressure from within the alliance.

Again, the Government's resolve to introduce reforms in the power sector, which continues to remain in the lurch in the absence of any bold vision, higher education, banking and insurance sectors have come to be tested by its own alliance partners. A section of the prime minister's own party has also exhibited little enthusiasm in backing changes in these areas.

The prime minister, however, put up a brave front.

"It's not that we have failed to undertake any steps in this direction. We are in the process of finalising the food security bill. The Right to Education is a reality, ICDS reforms is now a reality and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has taken off. In the field on infrastructure investment, we hope to see a substantial increase through the PPP model,'' Singh maintained.

On other important reform measures, such as the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), he blamed the resistance from the opposition-ruled states for the government's failure to roll it out.

He singled out BJP for putting roadblock. " BJP has adopted a very hostile attitude,'' and he attributed this stance to the arrest of a Gujarat minister (Amit Shah).