Mumbai blasts not to affect growth: FM

New Delhi, July 12 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai will not in any manner affect growth and that the 'India growth story' was in tact.

"Investors would continue to have faith in the country,' Mr Chidambaram told reporters here, adding that development and growth were spread across the country.

The Finance Minister said a sole event like the Mumbai blasts cannot set back economic activity all over the country or even in Mumbai for that matter.

More than 180 people were killed and several hundreds injured in seven bomb blasts which hit the commercial capital yesterday.

''These cowardly and dastardly attacks cannot break our will and resolve of the citizens of Mumbai,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

'The India growth story is still intact. Investors would continue to repose faith and confidence on the Indian economy.

The confidence is still there,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

He said the Mumbai events would not even put pressure on the Rupee.

'As long as industry and manufacturing are strong there is no reason to worry,'' the Finance Minister said.

Industrial production grew by a hefty ten per cent, catapulted by 11.3 per cent growth of the manufacturing sector, data released today by the CSO showed.

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