New Delhi: Slamming former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram as "failed economists" who "ruined" economy, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Monday rejected their criticism of economy and accused them of trying to give a wrong message to investors.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister said the BJP-led NDA government did not need their certificates as the Vajpayee government preceding UPA was known for low inflation and high investment and it was other way round under the Congress-led dispensation.
"Manmohan Singh and P Chidambaram are failed economists and we do not need their certificate. They ruined economy when they were in power. Now they are blowing things out of proportion to give a wrong message to investors," he told reporters.
Ahead of the tabling of Budget, he said there is a possibility of reduction in tax and interest rates, crediting the government's handling of economy and moves like demonetisation. "I will not say much as the Budget is round the corner."
Attacking Singh, Naidu said he was RBI governor, Finance Minister, Planning Commission deputy chairman but he ruined the economy as Prime Minister.
He said demonetisation may have caused short-term difficulties but the historic decision is in country's long-term interest.
