Wrong choice of words can create big news: Arvind Panagariya

Comment came against backdrop of controversy over remarks by Debroy on taxing agricultural income

In an apparent dig at NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy, the think tank’s Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Thursday that “wrong choice of words can create big news”. The comment came against the backdrop of a controversy generated this week over the remarks by Debroy on taxing income from agriculture. The NITI Aayog had earlier distanced itself from the comment, saying it was Debroy’s “personal views”.

Panagariya made the comment at a workshop on Smart Cities, where Debroy was the first speaker. The event was also attended by Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu. 

During his interaction, Debroy said: “We are greatly