Do you support this new-found love for swadeshi in your state?
Yeh bhavna ka sawal hai (it is an emotional issue). It can be compared to the anti-British feelings during the Indian independence movement. The values behind the attacks are right but the method of expressing it through violence is wrong.
Does that mean that the Gujarat government is anti-MNC?
I am not against foreign collaboration in technology and science—areas where we have yet to develop the know-how. But why should foreigners be allowed in the consumer sector?
But the BJP government at the Centre has just approved a slew of foreign investments.
Pepsi ho ya cola ho, if a product can be made in India, swadeshi should be promoted. There is no question about that. It is my personal viewpoint and may not be the same as that of the Centre.
What about the attack allegedly carried out by saffron activists on the Christian-run St Mary's school?
There was no communal element to the St Mary's school episode. It was a case of parents protesting against admission procedures.
Are you also going ahead with the plan to change the city's name to Karnavati?
We had already forwarded the proposal to the Vidhan Sabha as far back as 1995. But until the government at the Centre gives its approval of the intended name change, Ahmedabad shall remain Ahmedabad.
Have the recent incidents made Ahmedabad an intolerant city?
There is no intolerance here.
