The BJP on Thursday indicated that if voted to power it would set up a “mechanism” in the Government that progressively turns into a separate Ministry dedicated to the traders.
Speaking at a function organised by All India Federation of Traders, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and former BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi gave enough hints that the traders’ demand would be reflected in party’s manifesto.
The 10-point charter submitted to the two leaders by Federation’s general secretary included announcement of a national trade policy, a separate Ministry and setting up of a trade board at the Centre and States to regulate trade and pension for traders after 60 year of age.
Modi said Joshi, who was at the head of BJP’s manifesto committee, has “a big role to play” and would look into all issues raised by the traders. He said his party’s image was that “we are party of businessmen” and quipped it meant “we must have done something” to earn this title.
Describing Modi as “future PM of the country”, Joshi said like small farmers and labourers, traders are also a neglected lot though they provide maximum employment which was the basic task of a Government.
While speaking about the pivotal role played by traders contributing 15 per cent of the GDP, Joshi said “Chai bechte-bechte, Modi PM hone wale hain, dhyan dena chahiye ahchi chai hi nahin achcha PM bhi milne wala hain,” evoking peels of laughter among the audience and a smile on Modi’s face.
