"5%, You All Know What Is 5%": Chidambaram Mocks Govt On GDP Growth

Surrounded by the security personnel, Chidambaram stopped and said, "5 per cent. You all know what is 5 per cent", and walked away.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who is currently in CBI's custody, took a jibe at the government on Tuesday over the current gross domestic product (GDP) reading. (PTI)

New Delhi: Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who is currently in CBI's custody, took a jibe at the government on Tuesday over the current gross domestic product (GDP) reading. As the growth rate was recorded as low as 5 per cent in April to June quarter, Chidambaram while responding to a reporter's question when about the chances of his bail and custody, made a jibe at the Centre and said do you know whats 5 per cent? As the former Minister stepped out of the Court No 502 of Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar hearing his bail plea, a reporter asked the question. Surrounded by the security personnel, Chidambaram stopped and said, "5 per cent. You all know what is 5 per cent", and walked away. According to government data, the economic growth slowed to a seven-year low to 5 per cent in April to June quarter from 8 per cent a year ago. Having lost the tag of the world's fastest-growing economy earlier this year, India's GDP growth was behind China's 6.2% in April-June, its weakest pace in at least 27 years. Meanhwile, the Supreme Court today said that former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram will remain in the CBI's custody till September 5 despite the investigating agency informing the court that it does not want to question him further. Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court, after high-decibel arguments betwween Chidambaram's lawyers and the CBI, ordered that Chidambaram remain in CBI custody in the INX Media case and not be sent to the Tihar Jail until the court hears his plea. The court was to hear the matter again on Thursday, but modified its order to have the next hearing on Tuesday on the Solicitor-General's insistence. (with inputs from IANS)