Chidambaram on India’s economy, security, governance, social divisions in 9 years under BJP

New Delhi: Referring to the present economic situation of the country, former finance minister and senior Congress Leader P Chidambaram, who is also a staunch critic of the BJP government’s economic policies, said that the thoughtless introduction and the shameful withdrawal of Rs 2000 note could raise questions on the stability of Indian currency.

Chidambaram shared his thought about a number of other issues, including constitutional governance, security, economy, social divisions, and inflation prevailing in the country, with the media in the wake of the BJP government completing nine years at the Centre.

Addressing the recent violence in Manipur, Chidambaram expressed dismay at the silence of the NDA government and the deteriorating situation across the country. He questioned the Prime Minister's absence from Manipur, urging him to hold an all-party meeting and emphasizing the need for the Home Minister to promptly visit the troubled region.

Speaking on the economy, Chidambaram pointed out a declining growth trend, with the first three quarters of 2022-23 recording rates of 13.2%, 6.3%, and 4.4%, respectively. He compared this to the average 9% growth rate during the boom years of 2004-2009, highlighting issues of unemployment, inflation, widening inequalities, and stumbling welfare programs.

Furthermore, the Congress leader accused the NDA government of severely curbing freedom of speech and expression through intimidation and false cases. He criticized BJP and its affiliated organizations for fostering hyper-nationalism, vigilantism, religious intolerance, vandalism, hate speeches, and extra-judicial actions.

He claimed that "bulldozer justice" had replaced natural justice under the current regime.