New Delhi, December 2: Facing criticism over the declining Gross Domestic Product growth rate and plunging economy, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday stated that the Central government -- ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party -- had never run away from questions, as it is "not in their DNA". She also mentioned that it is the PM Narendra Modi-led government that listens and responds to criticism and said, "It is not in our DNA to run away from questions."

Responding on the questions and concerns raised by the opposition in the Parliament on Monday, the Union FM said, "We are a government we listen, we hear, we respond. When the Home minister responded to an industry leader, it was with a clear attitude that we are willing to hear or take criticism." Sitharaman also mentioned that she had been the worst FM, and the opposition is not even waiting for me to finish my term. 'Why Criticism is Anti-National?' After Rahul Bajaj, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Questions Centre

Adding more, she attacked Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and said, "I have been called names in Parliament. If it is in anyone's DNA to ask questions and run away before answers are given, it is some other party and not our party. Each time we come to give replies instead of name-calling."

Stating that the BJP government has welcomed ideas to revive the economic slowdown, the FM said, "I told them that please give me more ideas, we will work on it. If there's a govt that listens, it is PM Modi's government."

Being attacked by the opposition leaders like Supriya Sule (NCP), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) and Mohua Mitra (TMC) on the corporate tax ordinances and bills, Sitharaman said that it is too early to know the impact of the lower corporate tax rate. However, the Union Minister was also of the opinion that this Ordinance and this Bill intend to respond to the growing need of investments quickly. Rahul Bajaj Speaks Out Against 'Atmosphere of Fear' in Presence of Amit Shah, Says 'People Afraid of Criticising Modi Govt'.

Meanwhile, Sitharaman fiercely attacked the Congress by taking a jibe at Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra. She said, "Today, 1.1 lakh crores are in farmers' accounts. Did someone's brother or brother-in-law give the money to farmers."

It is to be known that the Modi government had been facing criticism not only from the opposition parties, but from the corporates like Biocon Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Bajaj Group chief Rahul Bajaj. The top industrialists have said it is essential for the Centre to allow the free-flow of dissent and introspect over constructive criticism.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2019 06:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).