Government Needs To Control Hindutva Elements to Protect Investor Sentiment, Says Industrialist Adi Godrej

Industry leader Adi Godrej today said the economic growth is expected to pick up soon, but the government needs to control "overt Hindutva elements" as its continuation can "dampen" investor sentiments and "create disturbances".

Asked about industrialist Sanjay Kirloskar's recent comment about church attacks worrying foreign investors, the Godrej Group chairman told NDTV, "Yes, I think the government needs to control these elements which trying to be overly Hindutva in their approach."

Although the situation hasn't dampened investor sentiment in so far, "if such things continue it would," he said.

Already, some ministers have condemned such attacks and so has Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Godrej said. "I think that needs to be contained because if that kind of a movement spreads it can create disturbances," he added.

With reforms proceeding fast, he said he expected the economic growth to pick up soon.

Earlier this week, Mr Kirloskar said the attacks on churches have stirred a slight concern among foreign investors, who are largely Christian. It was especially important for the government to make clear that India is a "secular and tolerant nation," he said.

Mr Kirloskar, who was in Germany during PM Modi's visit, pointed to a protest by a small group demanding "protect India's minorities" outside the massive fair in Hannover he inaugurated.

"I am sure the PM must be talking to his people," Mr Kirloskar said, "We have to send the right signal".