Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had on Saturday talked about the “huge business” done by three movies in a single day arguing that all’s well with the economy. A day later, he “withdrew” his statement and said his it was taken “out of context”.
Prasad though said his remark that three films made Rs 120 crore in a single say was factually correct. “Entire video of my media interaction is available on my social media. Yet I regret to note that one part of my statement has been completely twisted out of context. Being a sensitive person I withdraw this comment,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Prasad’s comments amid gloomy economy numbers drew sharp criticism from the opposition. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the government and said it was “Pra-sad index”.
“Li Keqiang, China’s PM inspired the Keqiang index to measure health of economy with the indicators: rail freight, power consumption & bank credit. For our very own IT Minister @rsprasad daily film trade turnover is better. Pra-sad index indeed,” Ramesh tweeted.
The CPM said Prasad’s comments show that the government “mocks” at the misery of the common people. “First they create an economic crisis by mismanaging things, then instead of taking remedial measures, continue to be in denial,” CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted.
First Published:
Oct 13, 2019 13:51 IST
Source: HindustanTimes