PM used poetry in Parl to hide his govt's shortcomings: Modi

New Delhi: Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that he used poetry in Parliament to hide his government's shortcomings. The PM on Wednesday went on the offensive as he presented his reply to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. During his speech, the PM, who is known for his quiet demeanour, unleashed scathing attacks on the BJP on all fronts. He did not spare Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi either, remarking, "jo garajte hain, woh baraste nahi (Barking dogs seldom bite)".

"The BJP's India Shining campaign was a disaster. Economic growth was higher under the UPA regime than under the NDA. Growth under the UPA was 3.5 per cent as compared to the NDA's 2.9 per cent per year," PM said, to much desk-thumping among the UPA leaders. "The NDA may be defeated again, given their arrogance," he warned, reminding the main opposition party that it had fielded its 'Iron Man' - LK Advani - in 2004 and had lost despite their strong electoral campaign.

Speaking about the state of the economy, PM admitted that inflation had been a persistent problem and that India had faced a difficult situation in the past. However, sounding a optimistic note, Singh said the UPA government was capable of bringing the economy back on the growth path.