PM Modi is facing criticism for replacing Gandhi’s picture in the 2017 wall calendar and table diary published by the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), an Indian Express report says.

“It’s good that Modi’s photo replaced that of Gandhi’s in the calendar. Modi is a better brand name,” Vij was quoted saying by news agency ANI.

“Jab se Khadi ke saath Gandhi ka naam juda hai, khadi uth hi nahi saki. Khadi doob gayi (From the time Gandhi’s name has been associated with Khadi, the industry has never been able to stand up. Khadi has drowned),” Vij said.

He also said the value of Indian currency has devalued from the time Gandhi’s photo started appearing on currency notes. 

“Gandhi ka aisa naam hai ki jis din se note pe chhapi hai tasveer us din se note ki devaluation ho gayi (Gandhi’s name is such that from the day his photo started appearing on currency notes, the note has devalued),” Vij told ANI.

BJP has distanced itself from Vij’s comments with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar terming it “his personal opinion.”