Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 4 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur on Saturday advocated for the 'Vocal for Local' initiative launched by the Narendra Modi government, and said that it was crucial to adopt Swadeshi while urging people to purchase goods made in India.
"It is very important to adopt Swadeshi, and the Prime Minister has repeatedly talked about Vocal for Local, the resolve to make India self-reliant. If the people of India use goods made in India, it will strengthen our economy. Our effort is to make these products reach the entire world through different platforms," Thakur told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah advocated for the call to go Swadeshi.
While addressing a gathering at the celebrations for Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, Shah said, "If the 140 crore population embraces the resolve of Swadeshi, no one can stop our India from becoming the world's top economic system. Prime Minister Modi has recently provided a huge relief by reducing GST rates. If we adopt the culture of Swadeshi, our country's economy will gain great momentum."
In Goa's Bambolim, Shah today praised the Aatmnirbhar Bharat initiative, saying that it has given "impetus" to the country's economy while promoting Make in India and encouraging people from across the world to manufacture in India.
He said that the Aatmanirbhar Bharat is also resolving the issue of unemployment.
"Aatmanirbhar (Bharat) is the biggest initiative, which has given impetus to our economy, promoting Make in India and for people from all over the world to do manufacturing in India (ease of business). This is also resolving the issue of unemployment. No income tax payable for income up to Rs 12 lakh under the new tax regime. When we came in 2014, the limit was 2.5 lakh. This has increased the purchasing power of women," Shah said while addressing a gathering at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium.
Urging Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Union Home Minister said that the Swayampurna Goa, which is in tandem with the Aatmnirbhar Bharat initiative, must be continued so that the problems faced by people can be resolved.
"Swayampurna Goa is a major initiative of the government of Goa. I urge Pramod Sawant to continue this program. New government schemes are constantly introduced, and through Swayampurna Goa, we must tirelessly resolve the problems of our citizens. We should strive to make our Goa the first fully developed state in the country in the coming days," Shah said.
With the onset of the festival season, Indian traders are expecting record-breaking business. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Diwali sales this year are projected to surpass an all-time high of Rs 4.75 lakh crore, driven by the growing preference for Indian-made goods.
Addressing a press conference in the capital, CAIT Secretary General and MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, said the organisation's survey across 35 cities has revealed strong festive sentiments among consumers and traders.
"This Diwali will be celebrated as Apni Diwali, Bharatiya Diwali under CAIT's campaign Bhartiya Saaman - Hamara Swabhiman," he said, attributing the growth to two key factors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for "Vocal for Local - Local for Global" and the recent reduction in GST rates.
According to CAIT, over the past four years, festive sales have seen consistent growth, rising from Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2021 to Rs 4.25 lakh crore in 2024, and this year's projection is Rs 4.75 lakh crore. In Delhi alone, festive sales are expected to touch Rs 75,000 crore.
An exhibition of Swadeshi products made by women entrepreneurs was also organised at the press conference, showcasing a wide range of high-quality, competitively priced Indian goods.