I have been working on economy: "Tai" Nirmala Sitharaman

India's GDP growth fell to a seven-year low in April-June and was recorded at 5%. But that is not it.

The automobile industry is going through its worst-ever phase, with companies like Maruti shutting down their factories for two days this month.

From two-wheelers to cars, and even heavy vehicles like trucks, sales have dropped across verticals, leading to lay-offs naturally.

Off late, Sitharaman has been addressing press meets to announce "corrective measures". One of them was merging 10 major public sector banks into 4, a move which many weren't sure would work.

Interestingly, her recent address got her criticism when she announced that e-cigarettes will be banned for "health purposes".

Entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar Shaw asked why she (and not the Health Ministry) made this announcement.

In a rare incident, Sitharaman replied to Shaw's query.

She said she briefed media about cabinet decisions and reminded that her colleague Prakash Javadekar was also there with her.

Further, she revealed Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan is abroad. "Health Secretary was also with me, explaining details. These are protocols, as you know, which government press conferences follow," she added.

The distressing condition of the economy has put PM Modi on the receiving end of ire.

On Wednesday, the Gandhi siblings- Rahul and Priyanka, took a dig at him, citing a media report which claimed investors might be "falling out of love" with PM Modi.

Rahul tweeted: "Howdy economy doin', Mr. Modi? Ain't too good it seems (sic)". His sister took the same route.