India now a global manufacturing hub, reforms boosting economy: Anurag

Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur today addressed students of the IIT-Mandi during an event on the theme of “Kulhad Economy”, highlighting its alignment with the Make in India initiative and local empowerment. Anurag called the theme a symbol of India’s grass-roots economic vision. He said, “The Kulhad economy is about empowering the bottom line of society and integrating it into India’s mainstream just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.”

Anurag said, “India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a global manufacturing powerhouse, thanks to Make in India and Startup India.” He added that India had undergone historic transformation between 2014 and 2025. He highlighted the repeal of over 2,000 outdated laws, reforms to boost ease of doing business and initiatives like Startup India, MSME support and the Jan Dhan Yojana, under which over 56 crore bank accounts had been opened.

He said, “India responded strongly to Pakistan’s proxy war through Operation Sindoor. This has made Pakistan think twice before spreading terror on Indian soil.”

The MP praised the IIT-Mandi for combining academic excellence with cultural and spiritual ethos. He said that institutions like these would lead India’s progress in science, besides contributing to national security and self-reliance. Earlier, IIT-Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera extended a warm welcome to Anurag and apprised him about the event.

He slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks in Colombia, where the latter had criticised Indian democracy and the RSS. “Opposing India has become Rahul Gandhi’s habit. Whether it’s airstrikes or Operation Sindoor, he sides with Pakistan even while sitting in India,” he alleged.

Anurag said that the Congress had lost elections due to this mindset and predicted its defeat in the upcoming Bihar elections as well. He added Rahul Gandhi’s actions were disrespectful to national institutions and indicative of misplaced loyalties.

Asked about his role in Himachal’s politics, Anurag said that he was already working for the state as a party worker and dismissed speculation about his “entry” into the state politics as Chief Minister in near future. He also criticised the Congress government in Himachal for not honouring election-time promises. He mocked the Congress’ “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod” campaign, calling the party a “promise thief” that misled the public.