PTI
Guwahati, May 22
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra today congratulated the Modi government for "bridging the trust" and bringing a turnaround of the economy.Setting up of 'Niti Ayog' in place of Planning Commission, devolution of central kitty to states, a vibrant foreign policy, 'Pradhan Mantri's Jan Dhan Yojana', rejuvenation of relations with minority community are some of the successful planks of the Modi regime, he told reporters here.
"During the UPA government there was breach of trust between the Prime Minister and his ministers, between the PM and UPA Chairperson. The then Prime Minister was found unaware of what was happening in his Coal Ministry. Because of mistrust there was policy paralysis," he said.
But now with Modi acknowledging and trusting the aspirations of people, "The biggest achievement of his government remains bridging of trust," he claimed.
Attacking the UPA government, Patra said, "Corruption had earlier marred governance. While omission of corruption has been one of the major achievements of Modi."
"Modi had said 'I am the chowkidar (watchman) of the country' to keep vigil over the treasury so that not a paisa is wasted by corruption", he said.
Stating that the Prime Minister has been able to effect turnaround of the economy, he said, "The country has been pulled out of the red corridor zone with the growth rate rising to 7.4 per cent from 4 per cent and the high rate of inflation coming down. The common man is relieved today."
Claiming that India has been ranked as a stable economy now, the BJP national spokesperson added, "International economic analysts have asked investors to reach out to India now and seize the opportunity".
Dismissing claims that the BJP government supports corporates and not farmers, Patra said, "Modi has brought in the compensation package. Thirty-three per cent destruction of crops can be compensated now.
"Agriculture credit has also been increased and research is being done to raise agricultural produce to benefit farmers. We took a stand on the WTO. We went against major countries and stood by our stand to give subsidy to the poor farmers", he said.
On 'Niti Ayog' replacing the Planning Commission, Patra said, "the Ayog was for making the federal structure of India strong. The Planning Commission was done away with as one size does not fit all.
"Now there is a devolution of Central kitty to the states with central funds increasing to 42 per cent from 32 per cent," he said.
On the Opposition accusing Modi of being an 'under-achiever', Patra said, "He is more active than the earlier accidental Prime Minister. What had stopped the Indian Prime Ministers from visiting Nepal for 42 years, Sri Lanka for 28 years, Canada for 40 years and Australia for 30 years", the BJP spokesman questioned.
"Modi has given us a vibrant foreign policy. He has personal relations with world leaders", Patra said.
"To understand the importance of the Indian diaspora, Modi got 5,000 Indians evacuated from war zones in Yemen with a minister camping there in the conflict zone for their safe return. "Thousands were evacuated from Iraq. Two Christian priests trapped in Afghanistan were brought back to India," he said.
