PM Joked Media Trying To Trap Me To Say Anti-Modi Things: Abhijit Banerjee
Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, speaking to the media after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today said he would not get into controversial statements because he had been warned — by the Prime Minister.
“I had a cordial and good meeting. PM Modi started by cracking a joke on how media is trying to trap me to say anti-Modi things… He’s been watching the TV and he’s been watching you guys. And he knows what you are trying to do,” Abhijit Banerjee remarked. He had been asked about the meeting taking place against the backdrop of a debate over his comments on an economic slump.
Dr Banerjee, who shares the 2019 Economics Nobel with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, also said that the banking crisis “is critical and frightening”.
“The crisis is critical and frightening and we should worry about it. We need some important and aggressive changes,” he said.
Strongly criticising the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), he said the government’s stake in public sector banks (PSBs) should be reduced to less than 50 per cent so that the vigilance body did not regulate and “interfere” with the banks. “Check and balances are required but (the CVC) is spoiling and allowing a rot in public sector banks and making them further lend until it collapses.”
Abhijit Banerjee raised concerns over the long-term health of public sector banks in India
PM Modi tweeted that he had an “excellent meeting” with the Nobel winner. “His passion towards human empowerment is clearly visible. We had a healthy and extensive interaction on various subjects. India is proud of his accomplishments. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours,” said the PM.
