'Mann Ki Baat' has forged unbreakable bond with people: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme may have been criticised by some but it has forged an "unbreakable" bond with the people, in an apparent answer to the critics of his monthly radio broadcast.
"The 'Mann Ki Baat' (programme) is praised and sometimes it is criticised. But when I see the impact of 'Mann Ki Baat', my belief becomes a conviction that the programme has forged an unbreakable bond with the people," he said.
He said an example in this regard was the record sale of khadi products. Through his "Mann Ki Baat' programme, he has been exhorting people to buy the khadi products and popularise these.

Critics in the Opposition have been attacking Modi over the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, saying that it is a one-way talk and the prime minister does not care to listen to the voice of the people.
The sale of khadi and handloom witnessed 90 per cent increase during this Diwali against the previous year's figure, the prime minister said in today's episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'.
He also said that khadi sale at just one outlet in Delhi on the last Dhanteras on October 17 was a record Rs 1.2 crore.

"Earlier, it was 'khadi for nation' and we talked about 'khadi for fashion'. But lately we realised that 'khadi for transformation' is taking the place of 'khadi for nation' and 'khadi for fashion'," he said.

"During Diwali, khadi gift coupon sales recorded an overwhelming 680 per cent rise. Compared to last year, the total sales of khadi and village industries products have risen almost by 90 percent. One can clearly see that today, the youth, the elderly and women of every age group are taking to khadi," the prime minister said.
"Khadi and handloom have transformed the lives of the poorest of the poor and are emerging as a powerful means of empowering them. It is playing a very important role for gramodaya," he said.