Cong takes dig at Jay, hits out at PM on economy

New Delhi, Oct 11: The Congress on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “playing” with the economy and asked whether he would use the “shahzada” model to lift the growth rate, in an apparent swipe at the row over the alleged rise in the fortunes of a company owned by Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah’s son, Jay Shah.

The BJP and Congress leaders have been using the term “shahzada” (prince) to target each other.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had engaged in a wordplay to mount an attack on the BJP chief for his son’s business dealings.

Mr Modi has often referred to Mr Gandhi as ‘shahzada’. Congress spokesperson R.P.N Singh also termed today’s meeting of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Comm-ittee as a mere “eyewash” ahead of the elections.

“Finally, Mr Modi decided to restart the PMEAC — with the same people who were appointed in the Niti Aayog and did precious little to improve the economic situation. This is nothing but an eyewash, due to the upcoming 2019 elections,” the Congress leader told reporters.

Mr Singh also took a swipe at Mr Modi, claiming that he had come in the forefront to make all announcements, but for the “Beta Bachao” or save the son plan he had put his ministers forward instead of speaking up on the issue himself.

The Congress spokesperson was referring to several Union ministers coming forward in support of the BJP chief’s son. “It would have been better had he himself come forward and spoken on the beta bachao plan launched by ministers,” he said.