As the Centre’s ambitious start—up mission got underway, Rahul Gandhi today trained his guns on the Narendra Modi government, saying there is a contradiction in pushing for start—ups and being “intolerant“.
The Congress Vice-President also said that the RSS has a very “rigid vision” for India and that start-ups require free movement of ideas.
“The ruling dispensation, particularly the RSS, has a clear idea on what the world should look like. They have a vision for India which in my opinion is a very rigid vision.
This country requires flexibility, openness and movement of ideas,” Gandhi said, during an interaction with management students in suburban Vile Parle here.
“There’s a huge contradiction in saying I want start-ups but I will be intolerant,” the Congress leader said.
“You will fail on the economy and start-up front if you are intolerant,” he said.
“Start-ups require free movement of ideas. If I say you are a woman and your place is in the kitchen, I am curbing your freedom,” he said.
He also charged that the BJP categorises people.
“The BJP has categories: There’s a Hindu for them, a Muslim for them, a woman for them. I don’t categorise. That’s the difference between us and them,” he said.
Rahul asked students not to put labels on people, things and industries.
“Saying this is a Hindu, this is a Muslim, this is a woman...hides values,” he said, adding, “When Steve Jobs was asked what was the most important class you took, he said: Japanese calligraphy“.
Asked how India could help provide conducive atmosphere for start-ups, Gandhi said, “Start-ups require a whole set of eco systems that allows entrepreneurs to grow including infrastructure and regulation. The biggest problem is red tape.”