Breaking news: PM on Reform

PM addresses nation on reforms: Who said what

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a televised speech this evening, explained to the nation the reforms introduced by his government last week. The PM said that the people have a right to know why his government took these decisions and that they should rest assured that the government did not want to burden the aam aadmi or common man.

Here are the political reactions to Dr Singh's speech:

Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) leader
There is nothing new in the PM's speech

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Trinamool Congress leader
PM is a gentleman, a learned man. But the Congress has no touch with the common man, though they keep talking about aam aadmi. Cut in subsidy will create problems for the middle class.

Prakash Javadekar, BJP spokesperson
If PM wanted to show intent, he should have acted against corruption. Instead he has burdened the common man.

Tarun Vijay, BJP spokespersonMoney doesn't grow on trees, yes. Thanks for telling us, but money stashed in foreign banks? No mention of financial irregularities. Just Words.

Shabana Azmi, actor and activist
Sound speech by PM. There should be many such addresses to a bewildered nation so people know what's going on and why.

Ajay Maken, Union sports minister
PM shows strong resolve, aggression and focus for fast economic growth, for welfare of the common man! "Those opposing now, did so in 1991 too."

Adi Godrej, chairman of the Godrej Group and president of CII
A very balanced address, he clearly explained that these steps were very necessary. His comparison with 1991 was very apt. I am impressed with the action last week and today's speech; the government has good support. Mamata's pullout may strengthen the government - the stock market went up and the rupee appreciated. A stronger rupee will lead to lower inflation.

Jay Shankar, economist and political strategistThere is very little that the Prime Minister has to connect with the people... they don't know or understand great economic terminologies like fiscal deficit. He should speak to the people more often. In a typical democracy like India, regional parties have become strong and they determine how reforms should be implemented. Strong leadership is required..

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw MD, BioconPM gave a very cogent explanation of the urgency for reforms. He reached out to the people to explain how he can't afford India to reach a situation like some European countries where people are losing their jobs. I wish he had done this earlier. We can't have a prime minister who keeps large periods of silence.