Modi govt not much different from UPA: Govindacharya

New Delhi: Days after Arun Shourie criticised Narendra Modi Government, BJP's former ideologue K N Govindacharya today too questioned its performance, saying it was not much different from the UPA dispensation and the PM has to come up with “Made for India” policies.

Govindacharya, founder of outfit Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan, said people continue to witness the “same partial” and “corrupt” dispensation at the central level.

“The government has completed a year. But at this moment, we can't see a ground to list their achievements, which is a matter of concern. On one hand, it is directionless (on policy issues). On the other, there are internal differences amongst ministries.

“People feel even though Modiji looks different from others...people will have their own assessments.... But (I) can't see much of a difference in the (two) Governments. Same partiality, corruption is there,” he told reporters.

On the Government's policies over land acquisition bill and concepts of Smart Cities and Make in India, he cautioned the Prime Minister Modi over his advisors in these matters.

“I don't know who are the advisors of Narendra Modi... who unnecessarily (have) brought into his head this type of a problem of Land Acquisition bill in which the basic norms could not be followed.

“Therefore, I think, that a clever person like Narendra Mod...I think he should beware of his advisors,” he said.

Govindacharya advised the government to properly supplement the “Make in India” concept with “Make for India” and “Made by India” policies.

“Otherwise, it will just be a signboard that ‘India on Sale', which won't do any good to people of Bharat,” he said.

Shourie, a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, had earlier this month hit out at the Modi Government saying its economic policy was “directionless” while the social climate was causing “great anxiety” among the minorities.

Govindacharya also termed the concept of smart cities as “unclear”. To make his point, he cited examples of smart cities built in Africa and China, adding the Government needs to do proper home work before it takes up the job.

“Exactly what is meant by smart cities Government has not made it clear at all. So, just unclear statements unnecessarily generate more problems and confuse masses which the Government needs to avoid,” he suggested.

The activist expressed concern over the condition of Panchayati Raj system saying it has almost become non-existent with funds meant for it being diverted to states.

He insisted that the Centre decide its priorities whether to provide basic amenities like drinking water to people or talk about bullet train-like concepts. The leader suggested that the NDA Government plan its work after understanding what India needs and also adopt communicative approach.

Govindacharya said that performance of any dispensation can be analysed on the basis of what it does on the lines of “Ram, Rashtra and Roti”.

He criticised the Government for being “helpless” over the Ram temple issue.

Govindacharya, however, said the government has still four years in hand to ensure people are not let down.

“After a long time, a non-Congress leader and party have come to power on their own. There are so many hopes attached with this Government. I wish the Government does not let them down,” he said.

Meanwhile, he informed the Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan will hold a three-day meeting beginning on May 15 in Varanasi to brainstorm over various issues of national importance.

The outfit was formed on May 15, 2004.