Amit Shah lauds economy, attacks Rahul

New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) Amid concerns over slowing economic growth, BJP President Amit Shah on Monday lauded the government's efforts to boost the economy and hailed its actions like demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In his Presidential address to the National Executive of the BJP, he said fundamental changes in the economy will make India a World Guru.

"What was the state of economy in 2014? This was acknowledged by many well-known economists. Fiscal deficit was around 4.9 percent, Current Account Deficit was around five percent, rate of inflation was close to double-digit figures and growth rate was about 4 to 4.5 per cent down. The value of rupee was also dropping. There was a policy paralysis," Union Minister Piyush Goyal quoted Amit Shah as saying at the meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, state unit chiefs and members of the BJP National Executive.

Goyal said Shah praised every aspect of the current economy and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for that.

"At present, the way our government has successfully dealt with the economy could be understood by the fact that fiscal deficit has come down to 3.5 percent, Current Account Deficit is 0.6 per cent, inflation 3 per cent from double-digits," Goyal said.

"The fundamental changes that had happened will give the place of a World Guru to India," Goyal said.

Amit Shah spoke of demonetisation and GST, saying that there is now an environment in the country that the government is strictly dealing with black money and not letting it rise.

"It will help the government to curb corruption, terrorism and Naxalism (Maoism)," Shah said.

"GST is also a step that will help in getting rid of corruption," he added.

Speaking of terrorism, Shah said the success the government had achieved over terrorism and Maoism was unparalleled with several of its actions directed against terrorism.

"In the past three years, there has been no time when a terrorist is not killed. Now the terrorists are running for cover and security forces have dominance," Goyal said.

Shah also slammed Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi over his statement on dynasty politics in the country and accused him of criticising the government on foreign soil.

"We welcome political competitiveness. Rahul Gandhi in active politics is in favour of the BJP. We wish that he continues leading the Congress party," Shah said sarcastically.

Amit Shah questioned Rahul Gandhi over scams during the UPA regime which he said were to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore.

"What did he do against his corrupt government. They (Congress) kept the nation poor, deprived of development. Why did Rahul Gandhi allow the policy of appeasement to grow," Shah said.

Shah lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which she attacked Pakistan as the land of terror.