The BJP on Friday countered Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s charge that Gujarat has the highest per capita debt burden, saying more than the borrowing figures the manner in which the funds are used matters.
It also alleged that Congress ruled states have lagged due to graft.
“The borrowing figures are not important. What matters is how the money has been put to use. Maharashtra and other Congress governments are heavily indebted but do not achieve development targets as they are neck-deep in corruption,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.
He was reacting to the Congress General Secretary’s remark that Gujarat has one of the highest debt liabilities.
“In Gujarat, the per capital debt is highest in the country. This means that every Gujarat citizen is under highest debt, this the figures confirm,” Mr. Singh had said.
On Twitter, the Congress leader also said, “Gujarat Model of Development must come in public domain.”
BJP defended its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi by claiming that Gujarat has showcased how to utilise the borrowings to the betterment of society and development.
“That is why Gujarat is the only state which has shown 8 per cent plus GDP growth for the last 12 years and double digit agriculture growth in the same period,” Mr. Javadekar said.
He pointed out that in Maharashtra, Rs. 70,000 crore were spent on irrigation but it became a massive scam.
Due to this, farmers continue to commit suicide in Maharashtra. By borrowing, Gujarat government has provided irrigation and minor irrigation. That is why farmers in Gujarat are flourishing,” he said.
BJP maintained that Mr. Singh’s comments are a mark of desperation and frustration in the Congress. “He should understand the reality,” Mr. Javadekar said.
