image
It is not Narendra Modi's Government: Rahul Bajaj
New Delhi, Aug 7 (IBNS) Eminent industrialist and Rajya Sabha member Rahul Bajaj, known to be an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned a critic of the BJP-led NDA government, saying it is losing the shine.
He said the government does not seem to be a Narendra Modi government.
"We had an emperor on 27th of May 2014. Very few places in the world in the last 20-30 years (have) a success like that in the history of a nation. I am not anti this government. But the fact does remain, the shine seems to be wearing off," Bajaj, known to be an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told NDTV in an interview.
The industrialist added that he is saying "What everybody is saying."
According to him, the downslide is reflected in a series of election results in the past year. "Delhi showed that, municipal panchayat elections of West Bengal showed that. And I hope for the best for both sides. I want good of India. I am an outsider, I know nothing. But if the BJP forms a good government (in Bihar), at least there is some redemption. There is some hope in Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Pondicherry."
Speaking in the context of the government's new black money bill which has opened a three-month window, or compliance period, to declare undisclosed foreign assets. Those who avail of the three-month window will pay a 60 per cent charge, but avoid prosecution. Those who don't risk a 120 per cent penalty, in addition to a maximum jail term of 10 years.
Bajaj said that the business community was anxious that the new black money bill which gives an option for declaring undisclosed foreign assets would not guarantee protection from future prosecution.
"I declare it and then you say it's an illegal declaration." If that is the case, he says, "I can't declare. I won't declare. I will take my chances, go to Supreme Court, and fight it out. In my lifetime, nothing will happen to me."
The top industrialist also said that he had no sympathy for businessmen who broke the law, but that the overall philosophy of the law seemed to be of settling scores.
"I think drafting has been done with a clear presumption, which I feel, I can't say for the whole group. I have no sympathy for people who did that. So, this has been done with a vengeance," he said.
"This is not Narendra Modi's government," he said.
Top Headlines
-
News
Donald Trump picks 'smart and tough' Pam Bondi as new US Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdraws
November 22, 2024
-
News
Baba Siddique murder case: Arrested Akashdeep Gill used a labourer's hotspot to evade tracking, say police
November 22, 2024
-
News
Canadian government denies media report that claims PM Modi knew of Khalistani leader Nijjar's killing
November 22, 2024
-
News
Pakistan: 42 Shiites die after gunmen open fire on vehicle in Kurram
November 22, 2024
-
News
PE firm TA Associates' strategic investment in VeeHealthtek
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur unrest: Civil society sets 24-hr deadline for BJP MLAs to take 'decisive action'
November 19, 2024
-
News
Delhi chokes as air quality remains in 'severe plus' category amid curb on several daily activities
November 19, 2024
-
News
Keir Starmer meets Narendra Modi in Brazil, announces relaunch of UK-India free trade agreement talks
November 19, 2024
-
News
Tirumala trust asks non-Hindu staffers to retire or opt for transfer
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur's unabated violence kills 1 more in Jiribam, Amit Shah schedules meeting today
November 18, 2024