Economy growing strongly under NDA: PM Narendra Modi

BENGALURU: A day after his predecessor Manmohan Singh expressed concerns over the dwindling growth of economy in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed that India's economy is flourishing under his leadership besides contributing significantly to the growth of the world economy.

Addressing a well attended election rally here, Modi countered Singh's allegations point by point. "When the country was ruled by the eminent economist (Singh), the world used to count India among the fragile five. But under the NDA government, the situation has changed for the better. Be it in attracting FDI, improving aviation sector or giving push to the start-ups, the country is doing good. World Bank, IMF and various other credit rating agencies have been giving good ratings for India," he added.

Reacting to Singh's concerns over dipping growth rate, Modi said the country has clocked 7.3 per cent growth rate in the third quarter of 2017 and it will improve in coming days. "We are building the world's longest tunnel, gas pipeline and a bridge over sea. We are bringing the bullet train to India... Which Indian will not take pride in these things," he said.

"The sale of tractors, lorries and trollies has gone up by 20 per cent, three-wheelers sales by 30 per cent, two-wheeler sales by 20 per cent. A whopping 2.5 crore vehicles were sold in India and 40 lakh were exported from India in the last four years. Is this not growth?" he asked.

Appealing people to vote for BJP in the May 12 elections, Modi alleged that Siddaramaiah has allowed the 'infamous trio' (K J George, Roshan Baig and NA Haris) to take Bengaluru city under their clutches and harass the public while neglecting the development of the city.