Need to stop running country from Delhi: Modi tells traders

BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi took on the UPA today and said there is absolutely no trust between the business community and government.

"For years our government and the income tax department have felt everyone is a thief. There is absolutely no trust. But you cannot run a country with enforcing laws. Good governance requires trust," said Modi.

Modi was addressing  corporate India at the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) national convention at Siri Fort auditorium in New Delhi today.

Pitching for federalism, Modi said that all states must be given power. "Every state has its own strengths.. must trust states," he said. "Fashion of running the nation from Delhi must stop," he added.

He urged retailers to not fear global challenges and in fact asked traders to look at e-commerce as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Pitching for trade diplomacy at the trader's convention, Modi said "One Indian state has more businessmen than entire Europe. We can conquer the world."

AFP

Laying out his economic vision, Modi stressed on the importance of developing trade and commerce diplomacy.

"Trade and commerce has to be the main focus as trade is what created our image abroad," he added.

Modi further batted for e-commerce and said India must boost online trade rather than stifle it.

Modi also urged traders to  tie up with online retailers and create virtual shops. "Use technology don't fight it," he said, adding that the BJP will incorporate trader suggestions in its economic manifesto.

Addressing corporate India, Modi  said welfare programmes should focus on asset creation. He also emphasized the importance of reviving infrastructure.

"Be it a farmer or a labourer, a professional or the government, everyone is working for the nation with the same  spirit," said Modi.

Modi further urged the bankers and investors present at the event to vote for the BJP.

"Give us power so we can eliminate unnecessary laws," he said, adding that the fashion of running the country from Delhi needs to stop.

Modi reiterated the importance of decentralisation and sought for more power for states as each "state has its unique strengths."

Modi further emphasized the need for simple and transparent legislation.

Apart from Modi, Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Murli Manohar Joshi and CPI leader AB Bardhan will also be present today.

This story was first published in Firstbiz