In an oblique attack on the UPAgovernment, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today saidthere was lack of trust in governance in the country whichposes a "grave danger" to democracy.
The BJP leader, who is widely seen as the party's primeministerial candidate, talked about economic reforms,supported the policy of privatisation and backed FDI invarious sectors but for retail.
"The system of governance is losing credibility, whichposes a grave danger. The big danger is when there is lack oftrust in governance. People look for other avenues for justiceand it leads to social deterioration," he said.
Modi, while elaborating on his model of governance inGujarat, sought to suggest that the divide between the Centreand State was hampering the country's progress and underlinedthe need for bridging it.
"Good governance means to win the trust of the people andtell the people what you are doing and why you are doing andinvolve people if possible...that transparency is lacking," hesaid.
Addressing 'Think India Dialogue' organised by the TV18Network, Modi also accused the Centre of stalling severalinitiatives of the Gujarat government ranging from supply ofpiped natural gas to allocation of funds for conservation ofAsiatic lions.
He also mooted a new model - the P4 model - of includingpeople in various initiatives of the government with theprivate sector.
"We have to go one step ahead of the PPP model to a P4model of people-public-private partnership. We have to informpeople what we are doing, involve them and then see how we canwork wonders," Modi said.
Replying to a question, Modi said the country will have tomatch its development with China by utilising its demographicand democratic advantages.
"You are going to have a direct confrontation with China.
We will have to match its development in all areas and forthat we will have to rely on two basic advantages of ourdemography and democracy," he said.
Noting that about 65 per cent of Indian population is lessthan 35 years, he said, "Our democratic dividend is littleunderplayed but it is regarded all over the world."
The Gujarat Chief Minister also said the youth of thecountry must think on a large scale.
"The problem is that we think at a very low scale. Weshould have a big canvas," he said, adding the disillusionmentfaced by the youth is widespread and even older generationfeels the same.
Asked what economic measures his party will initiate if itis elected to power in the next general elections, he said,"In our system correcting delivery system is also consideredeconomic measures...but taxation system, investment policy andlicence raj will have to undergo basic changes."
Slamming frequent changes in government policies such asbanning cotton exports, Modi said, "All over the world thisleads to disbelief in our system and policies."
He said Gujarat was planning to introduce a policy formanufacturing defence equipment in the state.
"I am not a supporter of the arms race, but we have toensure nation's safety. We can export defence equipment if wecarefully work out our plans...Gujarat is making a new policyfor defence industry...I am surprised we still import trucksfor the defence forces when we can manufacture them hereonly," he said.