Bangalore: Vice-President (V-P) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on January 17 said former Karnataka Chief Minister S Nijalingappa's vision that the country could develop only through "Swadeshi" and his commitment to Gandhian philosophy had immensely impressed him.

He said when "we are promoting economic reforms to facilitate greater private participation in our developmental efforts, Nijalingappa's philosophy becomes so important."

Speaking after unveiling the statue of Nijalingappa, last undivided Congress president, next to the Vidhana Soudha, he said he was opposed to the slogan of socialism that Congress party was flaunting at the electorate to win their votes.

He had visualised in 1969 as President of Congress that the country's predominantly agrarian economy could develop only through Swadeshi and not through the imported brand of socialism, Shekhawat said.

Nijalingappa, he said, was opposed to a license and permit raj because he felt that the state control always led to corruption and discouragement of private initiative and enterprise.

Another attribute in Nijalingappa that impressed him was commitment to Gandhian philosophy and way of life, which, Shekhawat said, was so firm that he could even criticise Jawaharlal Nehru for not giving priority to developing villages and for concentrating mainly on public sector and heavy industries.

Shekhawat said he was also impressed by Nijalingappa's firm belief in inner party democracy and supremacy of party over government.

PTI