We can grow at 9 percent if political parties allow: PM

On Board Air India One, Sep 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said India can grow at 9 percent if all political parties shed their ideological differences, as the country has shown its potential even in the wake of one of the worst economic global crises.

‘Let me say that we can do more in India if all political parties of our country work together,’ the prime minister told the reporters on board his special aircraft on his way back home after attending the UN General Assembly session in New York.

‘If the government is allowed to do its essential task, which is maintain a growth path of about 9 percent — that is possible for us to do so,’ the prime minister said, adding India managed to grow at a healthy pace despite trouble in major global economies.

‘Despite what is happening in the world, if only we could step up investment in infrastructure in our economy, we would be on a strong wicket, and that’s what I would like the government to do.’

The prime minister said politics could continue to divide but there were limits and the time had come to forget differences to focus on key bills such as those on insurance, pension, goods and service tax, Lokpal and public procurement.

‘We would like to appeal to all political parties who have the good of the country in their heart to work together.’