Chidambaram mocks Jaitley's figures on inflation, calls it voodoo statistics'
New Delhi: Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday rejected Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s contention in Lok Sabha that UPA government left behind double digit inflation.
“Finance Minister said UPA bequeathed double digit inflation. In June 2014 CPI (Consumer Price Index) was 6.77 and WPI (The Wholesale Price Index) was 5.66. Did FM add the two numbers? Voodoo statistics!” Chidambaram tweeted.
FM said UPA bequeathed double digit inflation. In June 2014 CPI was 6.77 and WPI was 5.66. Did FM add the two numbers? Voodoo statistics!
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 29, 2016
Intervening in the price rise discussion in the Lok Sabha, Jaitley on Thursday said NDA government had in 2014 inherited from UPA a double-digit inflation which has been brought substantially down and it will further reduce with good monsoon.
Read: ‘NDA reduced inflation’ retorts Jaitley to Rahul's 'Arhar Modi' jibe
There is still no clarity on the likely date when Jaitley will table amendments to the Bill. The sources said while the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha did meet Thursday to decide next week’s agenda, there was no decision on the GST Bill. Sources said Jaitley told the leaders there is still no agreement on the rate.
Jailtley’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged that the government had failed to control prices, particularly of the essential commodities.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over soaring dal prices, Rahul Gandhi Thursday twisted the BJP poll slogan of Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi, saying “a new slogan is becoming popular in villages: Arhar Modi, Arhar Modi”.
