Modi may have a 56-inch chest but his heart is small: Kharge

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Dec 12 2014 | 8:01 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "a 56-inch chest, but his heart is small", Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said today taking jibe at the PM.
Kharge was reacting to Coal Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks that the Government's target of producing one billion tonne of coal domestically was inspired by the Prime Minister's "56-inch chest".
Participating in a discussion on coal mines bill in the House, Kharge said, "Coal minister says that Modi has 56-inch chest. His chest is of 56 inches but heart is small."
Congress has been sceptical of Goyal's assertion that domestic coal production is targeted to reach one billion tonnes by 2019, considering less output at present.
"I want to tell the honourable member(s) that we won't achieve anything till we think big.... By keeping in mind this 56-inch chest, we have set a target of a one billion tonne of domestic coal production by 2019," the Minister said referring to an MP's remarks about Modi's "56-inch chest".
Modi had referred to the phrase during the Lok Sabha election campaign and since then the opposition has latched onto it to target his government on alleged unfulfilled promises.
The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, which replaces an ordinance, was brought in the wake of the Supreme Court order cancelling the allocation of 204 coal blocks on September 24 and resetting the agenda for their allocation.
Lok Sabha passed the bill by voice vote.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 12 2014 | 8:01 PM IST

Next Story