New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) Though the world is on edge because of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, Indian economy remains self-reliant and will likely suffer minimal impact, the BJP said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam also claimed that the Mudra Yojana had greatly benefited the MSME sector.

“After President Trump’s tariffs, there is concern and uncertainty regarding the global economy across the world. Every country is worried about the impact of these tariffs and the direction in which the global economy will head — whether it will shrink or stagnate. Amidst all this, India is the only country that has emerged as a strong, stable, and self-reliant economy on the global stage,” he said.

“The impact on India will be extremely minimal. India will absorb this shock and use it as an opportunity to move forward. If you look at high-frequency data, it clearly shows the strength of the Indian economy — whether it’s strong capital expenditure or sustained growth momentum,” Islam said.

The spokesperson said ever since the BJP came to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working on an economic transformation.

“One of his first steps was launching the Jan Dhan Yojana to connect people with the banking system. Today, over 53 crore people are linked to this scheme, and around 70 per cent of them are women.

“Following that, he introduced the Mudra Yojana, which has now become a global model for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Islam said that before 2014, the sector contributed around 15 per cent to the economy.

“Today, that has risen to 20 per cent. Notably, 50 per cent of Mudra loan accounts are held by SC, ST, and OBC entrepreneurs, empowering those who were long kept on the margins,” he said.

Islam also attacked the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu over allegedly derogatory remarks made by its Forest Minister K Ponmudi.

“The DMK government in Tamil Nadu is not only involved in corruption but is also attempting to divert attention from its misdeeds by continuously raising issues such as Sanatan Dharma, the Waqf Board, delimitation, and language disputes, thereby trying to divide society.

“The statement made by DMK’s Forest Minister K Ponmudi against Hinduism, saints, and the Hindi-speaking community is objectionable.

“This arrogance and boastfulness is merely an attempt to conceal their failures. He has insulted both Vaishnavites and Shaivites and made derogatory remarks by referring to Hindi speakers as ‘pani puri sellers.'” he said.

Islam said Ponmudi “repeatedly disrespected” Sanatan Dharma, yet the DMK took no disciplinary action against him.

However, when Amit Shah announced the BJP-AIADMK alliance, the DMK quickly removed a minister from a party position for far less, he said.

“We strongly demand that K Ponmudi be removed from his ministerial post immediately,” Islam said Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, Islam said that Congress leaders carry the Constitution in their pockets but do not adhere to its provisions.

“On the other hand, the BJP has fulfilled Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s resolve, and more than 50 per cent of the beneficiaries under the MUDRA scheme are from Dalit, Tribal, and OBC communities. Today, the MUDRA scheme has provided a tremendous boost to the MSME sector and accelerated the Indian economy,” he said. PTI GJS GJS VN VN