Modi government free to take decisions on FDI: RSS

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is ‘not an economic fundamentalist’, senior Sangh leader Ram Madhav said on Thursday making it clear that the Narendra Modi government is free to take decisions for the good of the country including on foreign direct investment.

The organisation said that its ‘broadline’ is to protect the country’s economic sovereignty and it is for the government to decide the nitty gritty. “We are not an economic fundamentalist. RSS is of the view that it is the government of India, which should be making the decisions about what economic decisions are good for the country.

“It is about economic sovereignty. The question is whether we will take decisions about what is good for the country or this decision will be taken by other countries. Our broadline is just that,” RSS leader Ram Madhav said. “Rest, the nitty gritty is for the government to decide. Specifics are for the government to decide. Whether they have to bring FDI or in what sector. Organisations like Swadeshi Jagaran Manch may raise their views on specific issues. Government will alleviate their concerns,” he said. Replying to questions about the swadeshi (indigenisation) demand of organisations like Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and other associates, the RSS leader said that such orgnaisations can articulate their views on ‘specific issues’, which the government should address.

Madhav, also hailed Modi’s invitation to heads South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in and said that it has established its sincerity in establishing good relations with neighbours.

Appreciating the meetings with the heads of SAARC countries including Sharif, the RSS leader said, “Two things have been proved by this step. First, our sincerity in establishing good relations with neighbours. Secondly, our position as a strong powerful nation in the region. Both have been established.”

He said that the very fact that all the neighbours accepted the invitation and joined the event showed they had great regard for India and the new government. “The controversy that was sought to be raised about Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif’s visit was uncalled for. This was not a bilateral meeting. There was a solemn occasion of the Indian government for which all SAARC nation heads including Sharif were invited as guest.

“As far as informal talks are concerned, the goodwill message with leaders of all the SAARC countries. It shows sincerity of India towards building good relations with all neighbours. It is a very good beginning. It (the government) began with a bang on international relations. It is a very good move,” Madhav said.

Weighing in on the Congress’s attack on Smriti Irani’s educational qualifications, he said, “The comment is below dignity. Congress should see the history of its own party leaders before saying any such thing,” he said.

Image: RSS leader Ram Madhav