"Finance Minister Criticizes UPA Leadership, Claims Compromised National Security"

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the UPA government's leadership and policies, blaming an "extra-constitutional" body for running the government and causing India to be labeled as one of the "Fragile Five" economies. She contrasted the UPA's response to the 2008 global financial crisis with the NDA government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting corruption scandals and alleged kickbacks during the UPA regime. Sitharaman also emphasized the Modi government's efforts to reform public sector banks and the coal sector, while the Congress accused the White Paper of being a "political manifesto" for the upcoming 2024 General Elections.