Tarun Gogoi opposes 100 per cent FDI in Railway, privatisation of stations

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adopting a 'capitalist policy' and opposed his government's move to privatise railway stations and allow 100 per cent FDI in the sector.

"Two days ago, the Prime Minister said here that he has plans to privatise railway stations and allow 100 per cent FDI in the sector. This is not good. We still want the railway under government control," Gogoi said at a press conference.

The Chief Minister's comment comes a day after Modi concluded his two-day tour to Assam.

"In some very minor areas, privatisation can be accepted. But this is completely a capitalist policy. It will gain only a section of the people. If we implement this, what will happen to the poor who travel by trains?" he asked.

"On the one hand, Modi talks about inclusive growth. And on the other hand, he is talking about privatisation. Is it not contradiction?" Gogoi questioned.

On Saturday, Modi favoured privatisation of railway stations for modernising them and announced plans to do so for 10-12 stations initially. He also said the government had already decided to allow 100 per cent FDI to completely modernise the railway transportation in the country.

Talking about Modi's visit to Assam, Gogoi said the people of the state expected a lot from him but got nothing.

"Modi had assured a lot to the people of Assam. People also supported him by sending seven MPs. We also expected... I met him twice before his tour and gave a memorandum on various issues. But our expectations were not fulfilled," the Chief Minister said.