PM asks NDA MPs to push 'swadeshi' mass movement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday instructed lawmakers of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to make the campaign for promotion of Indian made goods a "mass movement" and organise 'Swadeshi Melas' (fairs) in their constituencies to promote indigenous products, said people aware of the details.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

According to people aware of the details, the PM while addressing NDA MPs on the second day of the karyashala (workshop) for lawmakers, spoke about the need to overcome challenges by strengthening the country's manufacturing sector and bolster the ongoing campaign to make India self-reliant.

"He spoke about the upcoming festive season, which will begin with the Navaratra festival on September 22, and how it will be the most opportune and auspicious time to promote Indian made goods... In the past too, the PM has spoken about being 'vocal for local' during Diwali and other festivals, but this time he asked the MPs to amplify the steps to promote desi (local)," a lawmaker said.