New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is taking no chance to attack the Modi government for the so-called wrong economic policy adopted by the government. The former Prime Minister attacked Modi over the state of India’s economy, saying the country was facing crises that were avoidable.

“Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential. The unfortunate truth is that each of these crises was entirely avoidable,” he said.

Singh said it pained him to see the government stifle dissent when deficiencies were pointed out, rather than stand up to challenges. The former prime minister said it was important to pay careful attention to policy making as it affected people’s lives, and, hence, it was crucial to not act on “mere whims and fancies”.

“The United Progressive Alliance delivered an average growth rate of 7.8% despite turbulent global conditions. The NDA, on the other hand, has managed lesser growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in methodology, which paints a rosier picture than reality,” Singh said.

Singh criticised the move to demonetise high-value currency and the “hasty implementation of GST (goods and services tax)”, calling them blunders that severely affect micro, small and medium enterprises, causing “the loss of tens of thousands of jobs” in the process.

He also criticised the government for not passing on the reduction in international crude oil prices to consumers. “In spite of lower global crude oil prices, petrol and diesel prices are at a historic high because Modi government chooses to levy excessive excise taxes. Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people,” he said.