BJP terms 'shameful', Govt's silence over Bush remark

BJP attacks prime minister for his silence on US Prez George W Bush's remarks blaming India for the spiralling global food prices and says it will raise the issue in Parliament.

BJP on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his silence on US President George W Bush's remarks blaming India for the spiralling global food prices and said that it will raise the issue in Parliament on Monday.

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The party described as "shameful" his "silence" on Bush's remarks and said the prime minister should stand up for protecting the country's interest.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is behaving like an officer on deputation. He has been a total failure on domestic as well as foreign fronts. He has got only a few days left in office and at least he should now stand up to protect the country's honour and dignity," Senior party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, while asking the government to give an appropriate reply to Bush.

He said the American president is trying to assume the role of a "bread inspector" from his earlier role of world's "bomb inspector" by making such irresponsible statements.

"America has no right to speak about what India eats. India will not accept such interference. The government should take serious note of US president's statement and give a strong reply," he said.

Meanwhile, party sources said it will raise the issue in Parliament on Monday and seek a reply from the government.

Party's across the political spectrum have criticised Bush for blaming the rising prosperity of India's huge middle class for the spiraling global food prices.

Prosperity in countries like India is "good" but it triggers increased demand for "better nutrition" which in turn leads to higher food prices, Bush said on Saturday.