Process of tough economic decisions will continue: PM

Dahej: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that the process of taking "important decisions" regarding the financial reforms would continue.

The prime minister's assertion came at a time when the Opposition parties have been attacking demonetisation and GST rollout.

On a day-long visit to Gujarat, Modi also reached out to traders, saying their records will not be checked by the income tax department if they join the formal economy by getting themselves registered under the GST regime.

"After all reforms and hardcore decisions, the economy of the country is on track and is going in the right direction," Modi said addressing a rally here.

"Many economists have agreed unanimously that the fundamentals of the economy are strong," he added.

He was apparently answering the critics who have been saying that the economy is in a sorry state.

"If we have a look at the figures which have come recently, the production of coal, electricity, natural gas and other items has increased tremendously. Foreign investors are making record investments in the country. The foreign exchange reserves of the country have reached 40,000 crore dollars from 30,000 crore dollars," Modi said.

"We have taken important decisions regarding reforms and this process will continue. Financial stability of the country will be maintained while initiating reforms. We will take all necessary steps to increase investments and bring in the economic development," the prime minister said.

Talking about GST, Modi said the number of traders joining the new indirect tax regime is increasing day by day.

"In the last few months, 27 lakh additional people have registered themselves for this indirect tax... No businessmen want to indulge in tax evasion. But tax rules, system, tax officials and even politicians are forcing them to do it," he said.

The PM also hit out at the Congress for questioning the Election Commission for not announcing the poll schedule for Gujarat along with Himachal Pradesh.

The Congress has no moral right to question the Constitutional body, Modi said addressing a gathering here.

On October 12, the EC had announced Assembly poll schedule for Himachal Pradesh but did not announce the dates for Gujarat, only saying that it would go to the polls before December 18.

This has been questioned by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, senior leader P Chidambaram and some others in the Congress party.

"Some of them (Opposition) are worried why Modi is coming to Gujarat after Diwali. They can't say anything to me, so they are targeting the Election Commission," the prime minister said and asked the gathering, "You tell me, should I not come to Vadodara?"