Time's attack on PM motivated: Vayar Ravi

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The attempt by Time news magazine to “defame” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, through its latest cover story, is part of a plot by multinational companies to destabilize India’s economy and political situation here, according to union overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi.

The minister noted that the same magazine had published another cover story last month, praising BJP leader and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

“The magazine says that the Parliament failed to pass several crucial bills. They are referring to the bill on foreign direct investment in retail market. Ours is a democratic government and it is concerned about the threat it posed to the retail players here,” he said.

Ravi said India recorded strong growth in the agriculture sector, as also in matters of food production and food storage. It was only in the industrial investment scene that it lagged slightly, but the government was working on it now, he said.

“We are a democratic country. One cannot compare it to the Chinese government. The MNCs cannot come here and dictate to us on policy matters. So, it looks like the article against PM is a desperate attempt by disappointed elements to spread their roots to the Indian retail markets,” he said.

Ravi also suspected a political conspiracy behind the article. “I respect the freedom of the press. They have every right to publish such an article. But the language used in it is defamatory,” he said.