Yechury terms Ravi Shankar's comments on economy as 'laughable'

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Chief Secretary Sitaram Yechury has reacted to comments made by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on the economy and the movie industry. Ravi Shankar Prasad had stated that the country's economy is fine because three movies earned Rs.120 crore in a day.

'It is laughable' 

The CPI(M) leader said the statement was laughable and said India is actually suffering. "It is laughable. India has a population of 130 crores. There is a small section, which purchases tickets and watches movies, but the rest of India is actually suffering," he said.  Sitaram Yechury also said that Ravi Shankar Prasad's comments were equivalent to a famous statement during the french revolution. "Prasad's comment is equivalent to the famous statement made during the French Revolution that "people do not have bread, why not eat cake". This is the sort of ridiculous situation that they are portraying," Yechury said.  

READ | Ravi Shankar Prasad withdraws 'movie' remark on economic slowdown

'The economy has already entered a phase of recession'

The CPI(M) further attacked the government and said the economy is already 'tanking'. "The economy is tanking. It has already entered a phase of recession. The government should invest in building infrastructure, but they are talking about film collections," he said.

Ravi Shankar Prasad dismisses concerns about an economic slowdown

Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed concerns about an economic slowdown in the country on Saturday. While addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the economy is sound. "On October 2, three movies were released. Film trade analyst Komal Nahta had said that the day saw earning of over Rs 120 crore, a record by the three movies. The economy of the country is sound. That is why there is a return of Rs 120 crore in a day," he said. 

READ | Priyanka Gandhi attacks Ravi Shankar Prasad: 'Come out of film world'

'My statement was taken out of context'

Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday gave clarification about his statement on Twitter. The BJP leader said that his statements were factually correct and he stated them because he was in Mumbai and alleged that he was taken out of context.
 

(With ANI inputs)

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