Even Ganesh idols imported: PM’ ‘Make in India’ appeal to check China dumping
NEW DELHI, MAY 27 : In a strong push for self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to prioritise Made in India products and reduce dependence on imported goods, especially during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. Taking a veiled dig at Chinese products flooding Indian markets, PM Modi said that “even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly”.
Addressing the public in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said, “We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods.”
Citing examples of foreign imports flooding Indian markets, he said, “Unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly. Even Holi colours are foreign-made.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid concerns over China dumping cheap goods into the Indian market. Items such as decorative lights, firecrackers, toys, and religious idols, often imported at low prices from China, have dominated festival sales in recent years, impacting local artisans and manufacturers.
PM Modi urged people to introspect on their daily use of imported products. “As a citizen, I have a task for you- go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours. You don’t even realise but even hairpin, comb used are foreign-made,” he said.
Calling on the collective responsibility of all citizens, he added, “If we want to save India, to make India, to make India grow, then Operation Sindoor is not just the responsibility of armed forces, it’s the responsibility of 104 crore citizens.”
-PTI
