Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in an exclusive interview with News18, delved into various aspects of the government's policies and priorities, addressing key issues ranging from manifesto commitments to state of employment and infrastructure advancement.
Vaishnaw underscored the significance of the government's "sankalp patra" (manifesto), emphasising its role in charting a comprehensive vision for the nation's progress over the next 25 years. He emphasised that this manifesto encompasses every segment and sector of society, reflecting the administration's commitment to holistic development. "This sankalp patra lays out the vision for the next 25 years. This covers every segment and sector of the society," said Vaishnaw regarding the party's manifesto.
Responding to criticisms regarding employment generation, Vaishnaw defended the government's track record, asserting that employment has seen growth over the past decade. He highlighted the remarkable progress in electronic manufacturing, which has transformed from near-zero levels before 2014 to a thriving 100 billion-dollar industry today.
"We are clear with what we have done for employment. This is the nature of Rahul Gandhi and his team. They don't read. They just comment. In the last 10 years, employment is growing. Electronic manufacturing was near zero before 2014. It is now a 100 billion industry here," Vaishnaw stated on the topic of employment.
Despite challenges, Vaishnaw expressed satisfaction with the progress of the bullet train project. He emphasised hindrances posed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led government but maintained that the project is advancing well. Regarding the Bullet train project, Vaishnaw remarked, "Bullet train progress is very good despite hindrances by the Uddhav government," Regarding the Bullet train project."
Vaishnaw took a swipe at the Congress party, highlighting the accomplishments of the past decade as evidence of the government's capabilities and slammed the Congress's purported lack of vision. Reflecting on the past decade and the Congress government, Vaishnaw commented, "The last 10 years demonstrate what we have done. And it shows what we can do. The contrast is Congress government was baseless."
Vaishnaw stressed the importance of food security and accused Congress of seeking to discontinue such essential programs. He criticized Rahul Gandhi's statement on poverty eradication. Additionally, he outlined the role of infrastructure development near the borders of the country.
"Food security is very essential. Congress wants this (food security) program to be removed. They want the poor to remain poor. Rahul Gandhi said, 'ek jhatke me garibi hata denge (in one stroke we will remove poverty.' If they can do it, why did they not do it for 60 years?" said Vaishnaw addressing the issue of Food security, adding, "Congress never wanted infra development near border areas."
The Union Minister promising to provide homes to every middle-class family and emphasizing the role of infrastructure development in enhancing their quality of life, said, "There is clear action plan for middle class. We will provide homes to every middle class family. Infra development provides quality of life for middle class."
Vaishnaw voiced support for the concept of "One nation, one election", citing its potential to streamline the electoral process and reduce frequent election cycles, which he deemed burdensome for the nation. He said, "On One nation, one election, and on Kovind committee -- "Kovind committee has talked to every sector. One nation, one election is very important. Why has the nation had to go through an election cycle every six months?"
Regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Vaishnaw affirmed, "CAA is for giving citizenship. We will implement it. People's trust is in Modiji."
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