Time magazine has described Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as an "underachiever" in its Asia edition, questioning his ability to lead India out of its current economic challenges. The magazine notes that despite his pivotal role in liberalizing India's economy in the past, Singh has become hesitant to push for necessary reforms like deregulating diesel prices and allowing foreign multi-brand retail. This reluctance has contributed to a slowdown in growth, leaving investors and voters increasingly disillusioned. Singh's reputation has also suffered due to a series of corruption scandals, most notably the 2G spectrum and coal allocation cases, which have eroded the credibility of his government.
Additionally, the magazine points out that Singh has been focused on populist measures aimed at winning votes, rather than pursuing long-term growth strategies. Despite the economic situation, laws that could spur growth are stuck in Parliament. Singh's leadership has also been hampered by the complexities of coalition politics and his power-sharing arrangement with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. With general elections looming in 2014, Time suggests that it remains uncertain whether Singh can regain his reformist momentum and turn the country's economy around.