PM Modi blind to Dharavi's true potential: Rahul Gandhi

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday carried out a padyatra from Bandra Bandstand to Dharavi here, during which he interacted with the representatives of small businesses originating from the world's largest slum, at a stopover during the foot march.

"The government talks of make in India but here I've been told of Make in Dharavi. It is clear that if we want jobs in India, then small and medium industries are crucial. Big entrepreneurs can create power plants but it is small businesses that create jobs," Rahul said speaking to the representatives.

He added that big businessmen got the finance and the support easily and always managed to find a way when they needed to get something done for their benefit, but those who provided employment to people in Dharavi were left stranded.

"Those who are responsible for creating thousands of jobs in Dharavi are left stranded as they don't get the finance and when they face several issues in business, the government does not help them either," Rahul said.

Asserting on the importance of job creators, he assured that the Congress would protect the rights of small businessmen in Mumbai and raise the issue in the Parliament as well.

"The government does not see where the true potential in the nation is. Dharavi has potential in farmers, labourers, hawkers and small businessmen. They run the country but don't reap the benefits. My role in the opposition is to show them the real potential of India and I have come here to show that Dharavi has potential," said Rahul.

Earlier, during another stop-over during his padyatra, he interacted with hawkers, street vendors and taxi-auto drivers.

Rahul said that the auto-taxi drivers were often required to pay bribes and faced many problems in getting permits.

Following his meeting with the small-business enteprenous, Rahul continued his march to Dharavi.

Before his march, Rahul interacted with the management students of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), where he hit out at the Centre over various issues including the GST Bill and terrorism policies.