LS polls to be a referendum on leadership, quasi-presidential: Jaitley

He said “cynicism and despondency” had eroded the confidence that the nation had been enjoying as an emerging power before the UPA came to power.



“The political situation in the country is now moving into a certain direction where the cynicism will be converted into hope,” Jaitley said.

Lambasting the UPA regime over a host of issues from 'coalgate' to fall of Rupee, Jaitley claimed the singlemost failure of the Government was the “indecisiveness” of the Prime Minister.

“The Prime Minister has to be the principal political leader. Some time, he has to even take unpopular or difficult decisions. That is what all world leaders do.”

Though as the Head of the Government the Prime Minister had to discuss issues and even listen to contrary views of colleagues, it was for him to take the final decision as the principal policy builder, he said.