Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful call for economic self-reliance, encouraging Indians to choose domestic products over foreign imports, particularly during religious festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. In remarks that appeared to target Chinese imports saturating Indian markets, PM Modi criticized the quality of imported religious items, stating that “even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly.”
Speaking to audiences in Gujarat, the Prime Minister challenged local merchants to commit to supporting Indian manufacturing. “We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods,” he declared.
Highlighting the extent of foreign product penetration in festival markets, Modi pointed out, “Unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly. Even Holi colours are foreign-made.”
The Prime Minister’s statements reflect growing concerns about China’s practice of flooding Indian markets with low-cost merchandise. Products including festival lighting, fireworks, toys, and religious artifacts, typically imported at competitive prices from China, have increasingly dominated seasonal retail, affecting domestic craftsmen and producers.
Modi challenged citizens to examine their consumption patterns of imported goods. “As a citizen, I have a task for you- go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours. You don’t even realise but even hairpin, comb used are foreign-made,” he stated.
Emphasizing shared national responsibility, he concluded, “If we want to save India, to make India, to make India grow, then Operation Sindoor is not just the responsibility of armed forces, it’s the responsibility of 104 crore citizens.”