BJP president Nitin Gadkari, however, termed as "laughable" the Prime Minister's charge that the BJP was attacking the government to vent its anger over the action taken against a Gujarat minister.
Congress today utilised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement over BJP's non-cooperation in the passage of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to question the opposition party as to why CBI action against a former Gujarat minister should come in the way of the reform measure.
"If the prime minister has given a statement, it needs to be taken seriously. BJP should introspect as to why an important economic reform like GST should be stopped because CBI has as per the Supreme Court direction proceeded against someone (Amit Shah) accused in a fake encounter case," party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters.
He was reacting on Singh's press conference in which he blamed the Opposition for delay in introduction of Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Service Tax.
Singh had said the opposition, "particularly the BJP, has taken a very hostile attitude," because of some decision taken "against a particular person, against a minister in Gujarat".
BJP president Nitin Gadkari, however, termed as "laughable" the Prime Minister's charge that the BJP was attacking the government to vent its anger over the action taken against a Gujarat minister.
Tewari also lauded Singh's press conference saying the Prime Minister answered all queries "transparently and truthfully" and played the role of a statesman. He said it was a "candid and forthright" attempt to respond on all issues.
While BJP termed the press conference as "very disappointing" and accused Singh of trying to "cover up" various scams, CPI-M attacked the Prime Minister for equating the loss with subsidising foodgrains and alleged that the latter "virtually tried to justify" the spectrum scam.
Dismissing such criticisms, Tewari said the party gives "ten out of ten" to the prime minister for his performance and added the country got financial stability and increased international repute during the six and a half years of UPA government under his leadership.
Claiming that UPA has taken firm and resolute action whenever any irregularities came to fore, he said that BJP's record is in contrast to it and the latter only tried to "sweep under carpet" such matters.
Tewari also dismissed impressions that the press conference in a way indicated that the prime minister was lonely saying "there is no question of loneliness. There is no difference between the party and the prime minister. The party has always stood behind every decision of the PM."
Asked about Singh's remarks on compulsions of coalition politics, the Congress spokesperson said, "prime minister merely and correctly underscored what the reality and compulsions of coalition politics are" and hastened to add that this was not reflective of any re-thinking on alliances.
To repeated queries about opposition attack that Singh tried to justify 2G scam, Tewari said the comments are being "quoted out of context" and Singh was only saying that "no conclusions should be drawn till the judicial process is completed."
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