Ravi Shankar Prasad withdraws comments linking economy's health with box office collection

New Delhi: Facing flak after he cited Rs 120 crore business done by three movies on a single day to rebut suggestions of an economic slump in the country, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday withdrew his comments.

Prasad's comments in Mumbai on Saturday coupled with his criticism of an NSSO report on the high unemployment rate and IMF's report of a slowdown in India had attracted flak, and the senior BJP leader was also trolled online. "My comments made in Mumbai about three films making Rs 120 crore in a single day- the highest ever, was a factually correct statement. I had stated this as I was in Mumbai- the film capital of India. We are very proud of our film industry which employed lakhs of people and contributed significantly by way of taxes.

"I had also explained in detail about the various measures the government has taken to strengthen our economy. Government of PM Narendra Modi always cares for the sensitivity of common people. The entire video of my media interaction is available on my social media. Yet I regret to note that one part of my statement has been completely twisted out of context. Being a sensitive person, I withdraw this comment," Prasad said.