BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that the former Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao, deserved to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, though posthumously, for his contributions to economic reforms in India.
The determined efforts by Mr. Rao and his decisiveness helped reform the Indian economy and lift the country’s economic growth rate.
However, Mr. Rao had consistently been targeted by the Congress (I) and his role in the economic reforms were not fully acknowledged, he said.
Dr. Swamy was speaking on Development in Gujarat When Applied to India, organised jointly by the BJP Intellectual Cell, New Delhi and Mantra for Developing India here at the YMCA Hall on Saturday.
‘Replicate Gujarat model’ Dr. Swamy said that what Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had done in his State could be replicated at the national level by following the methods Mr. Modi adopted in solving problems like agricultural stagnation in the State; lag in infrastructure and problems in power supply.
Agricultural growth in Gujarat had surpassed other parts of India.
Mr. Modi turned Gujarat into an automobile industry hub; helped ensure uninterrupted power supply and built one of the best road infrastructures in the country.
What held India back now was inflation, which had to be curtailed by ending corruption, said Dr. Swamy.
Returning black money held in foreign bank accounts by Indian nationals could surpass any money that can be raised in the country, including income-tax revenue, he said.
Dr. Swamy said that in his Vision 2020 document he had suggested total withdrawal of income-tax and suggested a charge on bank transactions by corporates.
