New Delhi: Facing attack over the economy amid sliding rupee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today conceded in Parliament that the country was going through a “difficult” situation and had to reckon with the uncertainties created by global factors like “new tensions” in Syria.
Singh made brief remarks in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha as concerns were expressed over the rapid depreciation of rupee with the Opposition saying there was panic in the country.
He promised to make a detailed statement tomorrow. The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments amid the Opposition demand for an immediate statement from the Prime Minister. Left and AIADMK members even trooped into the Well in the Lok Sabha.
There was uproar in the Rajya Sabha also for some time.
“It cannot be denied that the country is faced with a difficult economic situation. And there are several causes. I do not deny that there are some domestic factors but there are also international factors arising out of the changes in the US monetary stance,” Singh said in impromptu remarks.
Apparently referring to looming possibility of US strikes on Syria, he said “there are also problems created by the new tensions that are on the horizon in Syria and they have inevitable consequences for oil prices. So we have to reckon with all those uncertainties.”
He said he will make a statement tomorrow as “I need some time to reflect on what I have to say”. Later in the Lok Sabha, he said “I respect the concerns expressed by the members” and that a statement will be made tomorrow.
