BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, a former finance minister criticises the PM's speech. Invoking RBI's governor Subbarao's statement, he said he agreed that the UPA government is to be blamed for the economic downturn and the falling rupee. 

Sinha says, "The PM's speech has no content. He has just used words without meaning. There is nothing new in his speech. It will disappoint people who have been hoping for some good news."

On being asked to comment on the PM's statement that the second half of the fiscal year will show growth, Sinha smiled and said, "We will be patient for manna to fall from heaven. What else can we do? Every time the PM says wait for the next quarter, but nothing happens. 

"The PM said growth in the first quarter is expected to be relatively flat; what does he mean? Brace yourself, we are in for very difficult times. Who has seen the second quarter? We may be dead by then. If it doesn't materialeise, will the FM or PM come and explain why there will be no change? I want to say the PM's speech was most disappointing and frustrating."