Q: Can you please clarify once and for all your approach to FDI? The Swadesh Jagran Manch, which is part of the Sangh Parivar, has come out against blanket approvals to FDI.
A: I have categorically stated that apart from FDI in retail for which we have expressed certain reservations, our party is in favour of FDI in all sectors wherever such investment leads to growth, employment opportunities and sharing of new technology. I would reiterate our party's commitment to encouraging FDI in various sectors to boost economic growth and to create employment opportunities for our youth.
Q: Your party opposes FDI in retail but Gujaratis in the US are all for it and have been lobbying for opening up the retail industry to international chains, saying it makes the supply chain more efficient and provides lots of jobs to young people. There is talk that you will moderate your stand on this once you come to power.
A: Our opposition to FDI in retail has been consistent. We have stated our position on this issue very clearly in our manifesto.
Q: What will your priorities be in infrastructure development, which India sorely lacks? How do you plan to give a fillip to manufacturing that has been stagnating? Are you in favour SEZs? Will your government continue the policy of the UPA government in building industrial corridors, like the one between Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bangalore?
A: To begin with, infrastructure development has to focus on highways, railways, port, power, etc. We will revive the National Highway Development Programme, which was so successfully started by the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is unfortunate that the very good beginning made by the NDA government was not continued by the UPA in right earnest. We will bring back the focus by connecting the country through a network of good quality highways.
