The BJP, a party you are closely associated with, is renegotiating with Enron. Whither swadeshi?
The message that MNCs cant take India for granted has been delivered. We still believe competitive bidding is the only way to salvage the situation. But maybe the expert committee, which has now got all the facts in hand, feels this is the best way to set right the distortions. Anyway, we are here to see whether they succeed or not and we will take appropriate action if the distortions are not corrected.
Even socialist nations, not to mention Communist state governments in India, have accepted the need for the inflow of foreign capital in certain sectors. Are you not fighting a losing battle?
Each country has to work out its own model of economic development and this has to be based on the socio-cultural peculiarities of that country. We believe swadeshi does that for India.
But your definition of swadeshi implies, in the contemporary context, an isolationist policy, doesn't it?
There is nothing wrong with a bit of isolationism, as you put it. These are terms given by western economists who haven't the faintest clue about Indias unique conditions. Anyway, we have enough resources. The problem is, internal generation of funds has never been a priority. Indias overall liabilities have increased from Rs 1,000 crore in 1980, to Rs 2,80,000 crore in 1995. Thats the effect of liberalisation.
But what about the BJP? Are they resisting your agenda because they are also confused?
How much was the BJP convinced of the Ayodhya agitation before 1989? How is it they decided to take it up when they did? It was because the time was ripe.
Do you see a parallel between the Ayodhya and swadeshi movements visa-vis the BJP attitude towards them?
Hundred per cent.
In that case, will the time be ripe before the next general elections?
I hope that the BJP is sensible enough to adopt swadeshi issue before anyone else.
