'Latin word force majeure well accepted, Act of God is not': Sitharaman slams critics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday gave a fiery response to Opposition criticising her “Act of God” remark. Speaking in Lok Sabha, she said, when a simple woman Minister says 'Act of God', it is taken sarcastically while Latin word "force majeure" is well accepted.

Sitharaman, who is also India’s first woman Finance Minister, said that her remark is being criticised also because she "looks like a neighbourhood aunty" and asserted that twisting of her comment is irresponsible.

Earlier in August, Finance Minister said that ecomy has been hit by COVID-19 pandemic, which is an "Act of God", and it will witness a contraction in current fiscal. Her statement was criticised by various political parties.

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"Many people spoke on GST compensation issue (and) my statement of Act of God was referred several times. I happy for that. People like using Latin expression of force majeure, for expressing extraordinary situation. But simple woman finance minister saying Act of God is taken sarcastically. What is this sir?" she said.

“Force majeure in court for clients is very well but t Act of God because this woman, who is minister, looks like neighbourhood aunty. So, how can she ever say this? I like this condescension," she said, taking a dig at Opposition.

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‘Irresponsible statements against Government’

Defending her remark on GST compensation to States, Sitharaman said that twisting her comment or saying that Centre is backing away its responsibility is an irresponsible comment towards a responsible government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I am rey to listen to your suggestions but t sarcasm. Name one state government, which can man current situation on its own," she said.

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Furr referring to ongoing tensions between India and China at Line of Actual Control in Lakh, Finance Minister stated that she does t wish to speak closely on matters concerning nationwide safety challenge; however, regardless of state of affairs in Lakh, Central government will t be reducing down on devolution of taxes to States.

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