New Delhi: Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley today (Dec 5) said the outcome of the Assembly elections has shown that economic issues will have more influence on politics. < br > < br > "These elections were fought on governance issues. Common masses want infrastructure in the form of electricity, roads and water. This has shown that economic issues will have more influence on politics," he told reporters on sidelines of 'Paperex 2003' inauguration in New Delhi.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, he said for decades, political decisions dominated economic policies but now the time has come when economic realities were driving political decisions.

Stating that people had benefited from reforms in the last few years despite their beginning a decade ago, he said reforms had gained greater acceptability with the masses now.

He said in this era of reforms it was the consumer that would drive the future of any industry whether manufacturing or services.

"People will buy their goods and services from where they get it cheapest and best," he said and added that there was a newfound feeling of confidence within Indian industry that they can meet global competition.

The Minister said Government was committed to create an industry-friendly environment wherein business can grow and compete globally.

PTI