New Delhi: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday withdrew his remark on the Indian economy in which he cited the earnings of three films on October 2 as a proof of "a sound economy". Retracting his statement the minister said "being a sensitive person I withdraw this comment". However, Prasad also defended his statement saying it was factually correct and expressed regret that one part of his remark was "completely twisted out of context".

The law minister issued a press statement saying, "My comments made yesterday in Mumbai about 3 films making Rs 120 Cr 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."

"I had also explained in detail about various measures the government has taken as a pro-people move to strengthen our economy. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi always cares for the sensitivity of common people. Entire video of my media interaction is available on my social media handle. 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," the Union Minister said.

Watch | Ravi Shankar Prasad retracts statement given on Hindi movies



When Ravi Shankar Prasad was asked for his comments on the economic slowdown while addressing a press conference on Saturday, he dismissed it with a laugh, referred to the movies data and is said that the economy sound that's why the country earned Rs 120 crore from three movies.

Dismissing concerns about economic slowdown, Prasad on Saturday cited the earnings of the three movies on October 2, saying they collectively earned Rs 120 crore in a day and hence the economy of the country is "sound".

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, the Union Minister had said: "On October 2, three movies were released. Film trade analyst Komal Nahta had said that the day saw earning of over Rs 120 crore, a record by the three movies. The economy of the country is sound. That is why there is a return of Rs 120 crore in a day."

Following this, the opposition parties chided Prasad for his comment and accused the Centre of not creating enough jobs for the youth and for not taking enough steps to push economic growth.

(with inputs from ANI)