Actor Prakash Raj criticized the BJP's ‘Make in India’ promise, claiming it delivered ‘Leak in India’ during a protest in New Delhi [1].
The demonstration highlights ongoing tensions between public figures and the ruling party regarding government transparency and the fulfillment of economic promises. By aligning with investigative journalists, Raj is linking industrial policy failures to a broader lack of accountability.
The event was organized by the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CJP) [1]. During the protest, which took place on Nov. 8, 2023 [1], Raj focused his criticism on the BJP's policies. He said that the government's initiatives have led to information leaks and a failure to deliver on promised goals [1].
"BJP promised ‘Make in India’ but delivered only ‘Leak in India’," Raj said [1].
Raj's participation in the CJP protest underscores a growing trend of artists and cultural figures engaging in political activism in India. The use of wordplay to contrast the official 'Make in India' slogan with 'Leak in India' targets the perceived gap between government marketing and the reality of administrative transparency [1].
The protest in New Delhi served as a platform for the CJP to voice concerns over the state of investigative journalism and the protection of information. The gathering sought to bring public attention to the ways in which government promises may mask systemic failures in governance [1].
“"BJP promised ‘Make in India’ but delivered only ‘Leak in India’"”
This incident reflects the intersection of celebrity influence and press freedom advocacy in India. By criticizing a flagship economic policy like 'Make in India' through the lens of information leaks, the protest suggests that the CJP and its supporters view government transparency as being inextricably linked to the success or failure of national industrial goals.
