In a scathing attack on the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, said that unlike others, he is not at all afraid of being seen with industrialists. He further reiterated that as long as intentions are clear, there is no issue in meeting with the industrialists, who play a significant role in the country’s development.
India is proud of our industry and industrialists. They contribute greatly to national growth.
Some people publicly abuse industrialists but privately expect industrialists to kowtow in front of them.
I am happy to engage with industry and work with them for India’s prosperity. pic.twitter.com/COh7Htmjyq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 29, 2018
Citing the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who reportedly used to stay at the Birla House, the Prime Minister said, “My conscience is clear.” he was speaking at a launch of 81 projects worth Rs 60,000 crore at a ceremony in Lucknow Uttar pradesh.
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“There are people who don’t want to get themselves photographed with any industrialist but there is hardly any who didn’t meet them on the sly. Mahatma Gandhi never hesitated in meeting businessman Birla. There is no problem in meeting anyone as long as the intentions are clear,” Prime Minister Modi said.
“I am not the kind who is scared of being seen with industrialists. There are those who don’t want to meet them in public, but only behind curtains… there is not one industrialist who has not done a ‘shashwat pranaam’ (deferential respects) at their homes… Doesn’t everyone know whose aircraft these people travel in?” he added.
Pointing out that industrialists “play an important part in developing the country”, the Prime Minister added, “Why should we shame them, call them thieves?”
The Congress has time and again attacked Prime Minister Modi over his alleged links with industrialists while also accusing him of ignoring the farmers and the underprivileged of the nation.
After the PM’s statement, Congress did hit back and said that he should lend his legitimacy and respectability to such corporates.
Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari, said, “If the Prime Minister feels alright to be photographed with such people, who allegedly ripped off the banking system, and run away to Antigua and London or they disappear from the earth, then I leave it to the Prime Minister’s wisdom to lend his legitimacy and respectability to such people.”
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