Arun Shourie launches scathing attack on Narendra Modi government // BJP calls Arun Shourie a ‘fair-weather friend’

By Dilip -
Arun Shourie, one of the most influential BJP ideologues during the AB Vajpayee government, on Friday launched a surprising, relentless attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. Shourie accused Modi of poor handling of the Indian economy and turning a blind eye to the attacks on minorities and their institutions by the right-wing fringe groups.

Rubbishing the Modi government of 8% growth, Shourie told Headlines Today in an interview that it was all 'hyperbole' and that 'such claims are meant to grab headlines but lack substance'. Shourie seemed particularly harsh on the trio of Modi, Amit Shah and Arun Jaitley, claiming these three individuals ran the BJP. "It has offended the opposition as well as frightened the members of the BJP," he said.

Shourie further slammed 'Modinomics', labeling it directionless. He alleged that the government was more concerned with 'managing headlines' than the big picture. The government seems to be more concerned with managing headlines than putting policies in place. The situation is like the many pieces of a jigsaw puzzle lying in a mess with no big picture in mind about how to put them together," he said.

Shourie headed the Ministry of Disinvestment, Communication and Information Technology during the first NDA government and is considered one of the foremost voices on the economy. Shourie has not found a portfolio in the present Modi-led government. The 73-year-old BJP ideologue even dismissed the purported achievements of the Modi government - reducing inflation, FDI, reduction of fiscal deficit, deregulation of diesel prices and spectrum auction. He claimed that these positives had nothing to do with the actions of the present government, and much to do with falling prices of oil and commodities.

Furthermore, Shourie was unhappy with PM Modi wearing an expensive monogrammed suit during his interactions with US President Barack Obama. "It was inexplicable, incomprehensible and a big critical mistake," Shourie said. "I fail to understand why he accepted and then wore that suit. You cannot take Gandhiji's name and wear such a thing," he said to Headlines Today.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bjp-ideologue-arun-shourie-launches-scathing-attack-on-narendra-modi-government-2082415

BJP calls Arun Shourie a ‘fair-weather friend’

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