"Time report deliberate attempt to malign UPA govt, attack PM"

KOCHI: Union minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi today said 'Time' magazine's criticism of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a 'deliberate attempt' to malign the UPA government and attack him.

It is a 'deliberate attempt by a section instigated by the multinationals'..... they are trying to frighten the investors and provoke the Prime Minister', he told reporters here.

"Foreign countries cannot dictate our economic policies. It cannot be accepted. This is a desperate attempt. We do not approve such actions by media and multinationals', he said.

'This is a frontal attack on the Prime minister. Their criticisms are not acceptable to the government of India'.

The remarks were in response to questions on Time magazine Asia edition report on Dr Singh, describing him as an 'underachiever.'

On Foreign Direct Investment in the Retail sector, the minister said government would not take any steps to jeopardise the domestic retail sector.

He pointed out that International credit rating agency S&P had earlier described Dr Singh as 'unelected leader'.

Ravi said the 'Time' had earlier featured Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and had praised him. 'I do not want to make any personal comment against modi. But after the Gujarat riots, the problems still exist', he said.