Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his biggest interview this election season with India TV’s Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma spoke on BJP’s 400-plus seats target, Pakistan, revocation of Article 370, his government’s action against corrupt politicians, among others issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exuding confidence, stated during the ‘Salaam India’ show with Rajat Sharma, “I believe it is God’s will that I work tirelessly 24/7 until 2047 to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).” Responding to Sharma’s questions, Modi elaborated, “I feel that God has sent me with a special purpose to achieve the goal of a Developed India by 2047. God is guiding me, giving me strength, and I am certain I will reach that target. Until this mission is accomplished, God will not call me back (Jab Tak Poora Nahin Hota, Mujhe Parmatma Waapas Nahin Bulayenge). I have no other place in this world now except for this mission.” Currently, Modi is 74 years old.
Modi said, “400 Paar” is a slogan not coined by BJP, but by the people. “We were already 400 in strength in Parliament during the last five years, given the support that we got from other parties. Any child who gets 95 per cent marks will naturally strive for a higher target.”
Narendra Modi criticized Congress and other opposition parties
Modi criticized Congress and other opposition parties for claiming they have not been given a level playing field in the current election. He pointed out that in 1991, when Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21 in Sriperumbudur, the then Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan, postponed polling nationwide for 22 days after only one round of voting had been completed. The elections were rescheduled to mid-June, with the final voting taking place on June 12 and 15.
“Was that a level playing field?” PM Modi questioned. He noted that typically, when a candidate dies, the election in that particular constituency is countermanded. However, in 1991, the entire country’s election was postponed, and polling only resumed after Rajiv Gandhi’s funeral was extensively publicized.
Modi also mentioned that TN Seshan, after his retirement, contested against BJP’s party president LK Advani in Gandhinagar in 1999 on a Congress ticket.
Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi over the liquor case, stating, “They aimed to ruin children’s lives by opening liquor outlets near schools and offering one free bottle for every bottle sold, driven by the commission on sales. Let me be clear: I won the 2014 elections because I promised to take action against corruption. That was the mandate I received. Previously, influential leaders escaped accountability. My administration is not focused on getting favorable editorials or good TV headlines; we are dedicated to eradicating corruption.” He emphasized, “I was elected on the promise of tackling corruption head-on. Big leaders used to evade justice, but not anymore. My government prioritizes the fight against corruption over pleasing the media or securing positive news coverage.”
Pakistan
Responding to Pakistan’s allegations of an “Indian hand” behind the “targeted assassinations by unknown killers” of terrorists in their country, Modi stated, “That is not the issue. I understand that the people of Pakistan are currently worried. I also recognize that I am the root cause of their concerns (Main Jaanta Hoon Unki Pareshani Ka Kaaran Main Hoon). However, I am puzzled by the fact that some people in our own country are also worried. I can understand why they weep, but I cannot comprehend why our own people do (Woh rote Rahen Samajh Me Aa Sakta Hai, Yahan Waale Kyun rote hain, Main Samajh Nahin Sakta Hoon).”
Modi referenced an instance where “the leader of a respected party, which governed our nation for 60 years, and during whose tenure the 26/11 Mumbai attacks occurred,” once suggested that it was not Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his accomplices responsible for the attacks, but rather, individuals within India. Expressing deep dismay, Modi remarked, “This is truly disheartening. How can a leader make such statements in support of Pakistan and Ajmal Kasab? My heart aches, and I feel a sense of shame whenever I hear such remarks.”
Addressing Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comment advocating respect for Pakistan due to its possession of nuclear weapons, Modi responded in a lighthearted tone, saying, “Taaqat Main Khud Pakistan Jaake Check Karke Aaya Hoon (I’ve myself gone to Pakistan and checked their power). I landed in Lahore without any security checks, and one of their TV reporters exclaimed, ‘Hai Allah, Modi has landed in Pakistan without any visa.’ Yes, this occurred during their live debates. Main Kyun Nahin Ja Sakta, Woh Mera Desh Tha Kizi Zamaane Mein (Why can’t I do it, Pakistan was part of our country at one time).”
When confronted with a prediction from a Shiv Sena (UBT)
When confronted with a prediction from a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader suggesting that Modi might send a train full of devotees to the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya before elections, potentially leading to Pakistan blowing up the train and sparking riots to facilitate Modi’s electoral victory, Modi responded sharply. He questioned, “Why don’t journalists approach that leader and inquire about his refusal to take medication or undergo a medical examination? Was any train actually sabotaged? Did riots ensue? He ought to have his troubled mindset evaluated.”
