Kapil Sibal takes on Narendra Modi

Says Modi yet to reveal any alternative model for development

Kapil Sibal, the union minister for communications and information technology, today took on Narendra Modi saying that Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) likely prime ministerial candidate is yet to reveal any alternative model for economic development of India.

"Our growth is more than Russia, more than Brazil, more than South Africa. But you still say that we are the worst government in the world. What kind of discourse is this? Will the BJP tell us what their alternative model is?

Will Modi tell us what is his economic model for coal, for power," Sibal said during his speech in the 85th annual general meeting of the Indian Chamber of Commerce here today.

He dismissed the economic developments in Gujarat, where Modi is currently the chief minister, saying it was obvious as large industrial houses have their operations there.

"The three largest industrialists are in Gujarat. So, the GDP (gross domestic product) of Gujarat will always be high. But if you look at social indicators of Gujarat – education and health – they are very, very poor," Sibal said.

"What Gujarat model are we talking about? It is Gujarat medal not model. It is like giving yourself a medal and calling it a model," he added.

Sibal said for the past 10 years, BJP as oppositions has only been raising questions on government's policies without offering any alternative model for development.