“While it may look inappropriate for me to be saying this, Mumbai should do something about the filth and squalour around,” said mayor of London Boris Johnson. He was speaking to DNA on the sidelines of an interaction organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
“I also daresay that they seem to be making the same mistake that was made in London long, long ago. When transport systems are planned, even if it takes longer, we should build something that will serve more people, over a longer period of time. Otherwise you have to keep re-doing it all over again,” said Johnson.
During his talk, though, Johnson had some kind words for the city. He said he was amazed at the changes he was seeing since his visit to Mumbai in 1996. “The skyline of the city has completely changed because of the wonderful new buildings coming up,” he said and pointed out, “One does see a palpable reduction in the sheer number of destitute and poor. This is not to say that there aren’t still a significantly large number of people whose economic levels need to be raised.”
Earlier, UK’s most loved politician did not hold back any punches while attacking France on its decision to nationalise ArcelorMittal.
“I would say it is utterly stupid that France is doing this,” he said and advised, “I’d want to tell Mittal, and all those who are looking to do unhindered business, to come to London instead.” Reminding the audience how the Arcelor Mittal tower “literally towered” over the recent London Olympics, he said, “It must be a matter of great pride that the tower was designed by an artiste from Mumbai.”
Responding to CII president Adi Godrej’s ’s comments earlier, on how changes in UK’s immigration law were affecting both students and the business community, the mayor said, “Our government needs to sandpaper its policies to welcome more students.”
In an oblique reference to Australia, Johnson said, “It would be a shame if they (Indian students) have to go to universities elsewhere where they don’t even know how to spell humour right, and they don’t even play cricket with a straight bat.” He was quick to point out that, “Despite the restrictions, the total number of Indian students studying in British universities has actually doubled in the last six years.”
