PM sticks to his guns

Unfazed by the Opposition’s vocal criticism and reservations of UPA supporters like the Samajwadi Party, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he will stay the course on reforms, saying this is in national interest and not a one-off process.
Singh made it clear that the government’s response to a dire economic situation will not stop at recent measures, like a hike in diesel prices and allowing FDI in multi-brand retail-—steps seen to have been prompted by a threat of a rating downgrade.
An assertive PM said “we will do what is good for the country. Reforms are not a one-off process” when responding to questions on the demands that the government rollback decisions on FDI, fuel prices and cooking gas subsidies.
Expressing confidence that the decisions will not hurt the stability of his government, Singh said, “we are far away from elections”, indicating that fears within the ruling coalition that tough decisions can extract an electoral cost are not going to be put to the test anytime soon.
He strongly refuted the charge levelled by the BJP, Left and regional parties that the FDI decision was prompted by a desire to keep the US in good humour, saying, “What has the US got to do with this. We are not a country to be dictated by others.”
The PM also said he is not bitter over Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s personal attack after parting ways with the UPA over the decision to cut fuel and LPG subsidies and allow foreign direct ivestment in multibrand retail. Singh’s brief but significant remarks signal a new-found determination in the government — armed by the support of the Congress Working Committee and UPA allies — to give the economy top billing and press on the reform pedal.
The comments are underpinned by the Congress leadership’s backing for sustained action over the weeks ahead.