New Delhi, Aug 18: New Delhi: Acknowledging problems within the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said political parties need to work together to realise the high growth rate of nine per cent.
Talking to reporters, he, however, refused to comment on any timeframe on allowing FDI in retail. "I will not say anything. Parliament is in session," he said.
Elaborating on his statement blaming lack of political consensus hampering growth, Singh said "my purpose was to create a climate where all national parties will work together and give primacy to national issues."
When pointed out that there were problems within the ruling coalition, he said "I am not saying that there are no problems. There are problems within the coalition and there are problems with the opposition.
"We need to re-think. India needs to think big. Political parties need to work together to realise the high growth of nine per cent which India is capable of," Singh said.
On unveiling tax reforms through implementation of goods and services tax (GST), the Prime Minister said it would send powerful signal on the economic front.
"If GST is done, there will be a powerful signal on the economic front.... The Finance Ministry is working with Chief Ministers and there is an empowered group," Singh said.
On linking development to national security, he said national security will be affected if the economy did not perform well.
"National security will be affected if economy is doing badly. There will be dissatisfaction among the people. There will be unemployment which can become a problem," Singh said.
Asked about rating agencies forecasting low growth for the Indian economy, he said "I do not want to criticise any rating agency. Sometimes they overdo."
