BJP hits back at Opposition on BRICS
The BJP on Friday criticised the Congress and other Opposition parties for creating a negative atmosphere around the 8th BRICS Summit, alleging that they are unable to digest India’s progress as the country moves forward.
The ruling party said that while in 2011-12, under the Congress-led UPA government, India appeared to be losing its position within BRICS, today all BRICS heads of State are in India and the country is celebrating the summit. A day earlier, the Congress questioned the benefits of hosting the BRICS Summit.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India’s position in BRICS had reached a stage where people were saying that “India” should be removed and “Indonesia” should replace the “I” in BRICS.
“Congress leaders, who are lamenting and asking what did India gain, should remember that the truth is, you ruined it, we rebuilt it,” he said.
“During the Congress regime, India was described as one of the Fragile Five and a junk economy, whereas under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has become one of the world’s top five economies and emerged as the shining star of BRICS,” he added.
He said the BJP has rebuilt and strengthened the country, making it a “bright” spot in the world.
“India is also a bright spot within BRICS, and the world is looking towards India with enthusiasm and confidence. Today, India is a major global economy that contributes to stability in the global economy,” he added.
The former Union minister said this has been possible despite challenges such as the energy crisis, problems with global supply chains and the ongoing war in the Gulf, with India’s growth rate standing at 7.8 per cent, which the IMF has acknowledged as accurate and described as a sign of the strength of the Indian economy.
“The IMF also appreciated the manner in which India is progressing in the services sector, manufacturing sector and trade,” he said.
He alleged that whenever there is a discussion on foreign policy, Congress leaders unnecessarily attempt to create an adverse atmosphere within the country.
Prasad asserted that the presence of heads of state and government from Russia, South Africa, Egypt, China and Iran at the summit reflects India’s growing influence.
Separately, in a video message, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra said that while the “I” in BRIC was “turning shaky” in 2011-12, India is now one of the strongest partners of BRICS.
“Today, India has found its position in the global arena as never before,” he said.
“Remember, the ‘I’ in BRICS stands for India, and the ‘I’ in India stands for the 140 crore people of India. I am India. I am one of the strongest partners of BRICS, and I am proud of it. Today, I am proud to be a citizen of India and a very strong member of BRICS,” he added.
