Jan Dhan Yojana was opened aiming at the economic development
Union minister of state for heavy industries and public enterprises, Pon Radhakrishnan
Chennai: Lashing out the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, for criticising the functioning of the Prime Minister, Union minister of state for heavy industries and public enterprises, Pon Radhakrishnan said those criticising Mr Narendra Modi were unable to digest his growing popularity both in India and abroad. He says after a decade of Congress rule, rife with scams, flawed policies and under-performing government, India is beginning to see a dynamic rule under Mr. Modi.
Excerpts of his interview to Deccan Chronicle.
Q Congress leader and former Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma has called Mr. Modi a dream merchant, who came to power by selling false hopes, and that the 100 days of Modi’s rule is high on rhetoric and low on performance
The entire world has seen what the Congress had done during its rule. The Congress with a history of scams, flawed policies and under-performance scorecard has no locus standi to criticise. It is unable to digest the growing popularity of Mr. Modi both in India and abroad. On the domestic turf, the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJGY) has opened a new chapter in Indian history by aiming at the economic development of each and every citizen. It has been implemented within 13 days of its announcement by the Prime Minister.
Q What is your assessment of the first 100 days performance of the BJP government
The three months is a good beginning. It is a historic milestone in making India self-reliant. The Union Budget and also the Railway Budget had unfolded many welfare measures. The focus of the Government is also on health, women development and education. Also, the inking of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia signifies that we would be in a position to fuel our growth with clean energy and minimise the carbon footprint.
Q Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said in a tweet that Modi was “beating the communal drum-beat in Japan.”
It is the Congress that had beaten its drum of exit from the national political scene. Did it ever want India to develop? Mr Modi had great success in Japan, in Brazil. He visited Bhutan, Nepal. Even China is also coming to India. So I think he has done it nicely.
Q Will there be a separate ministry for fisheries sector as you had assured during the run up to April Lok Sabha polls?
I (personally) want a separate ministry to be established.
Q Union ministers visiting Chennai have made it a point to meet Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Is the BJP cosying up towards the ruling AIADMK?
We want good ties with the AIADMK government as part of the good Centre-State relations. The Prime Minister wants the Centre and States to perform as one team.
Q What according to you should be the priority for Modi government with regard to TN?
The top priority should be to ensure a permanent solution to the Indian fishermen’s problems and provide water for farmers to take up irrigation in more areas. I think our Prime Minister is showing interest in these issues.
Q There have been allegations of intimidation of BJP candidates and abduction even by rival groups in the local bodies elections?
The Election Commission should take stern action and ensure the by-polls are always held in a democratic manner.
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