The challenge for the BJP Government in the coming days is not over getting new investments or projects, but addressing stressed capital, the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Muralidhar Rao said here today.

"After investing huge sums, if the investor fails to complete the last mile and get the project up and operational, huge sums - be it bank money or other borrowings, go waste. We have to address this issue, else the Make in India campaign will not become a meaningful exercise," Rao told a gathering of textile entrepreneurs at Hotel Clarion, located on the outskirts of the city.

Conceding that the performance of the Government in front of the economy would be a litmus test of which both the leadership and those at the helm are aware of, he urged the entrepreneurs to become a partner in the policy-making process. "There should not be any adversarial relationship," he added.

He was the Guest of Honour at a meeting arranged by eight textile associations such as Texpreneurs forum, South India Hosiery Manufacturers association, Karur Exporters Association, Erode Textile and Garment Exporters Association, Pdexcil, Sripuram Trust, NIFT – TEA and Tamil Nadu Autolooms Cloth Manufacturers Association.

Earlier he pointed out that despite the AIADMK's strength in the Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu, for the first time in many years was not adequately represented in Delhi.

The party took sides with those in power - be it NDA, UPA or United Front and enjoyed disproportionate political power. "Industries suffered for want of power (energy), but Tamil Nadu enjoyed political power," he said, taking a dig at the ruling party's stance.

After lending a patient ear to the industry's appeal on various issues such as reducing the duty on MMF and extension of protection to farmers and MMF manufacturers, the need for interest subvention to the spinning sector, high cost of carrying cotton from upcountry destinations and so on, Rao said "for the first time in many years, I see you starving.

Tamil Nadu has adequate representation in the lower House, yet you are a loner," before adding "BJP is ready, but, you should also be ready to take BJP. We want to own responsibility and on the occasion of completing one year in power, we see that people's expectations are high and we take this as a compliment."

On a parting note, he said that revival of the economy is going to be the test and the government is committed to it and urged the participants gear up for a seminar in Delhi to highlight the industry's achievements and vision.

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