PM Narendra Modi – Republic Bharat interview: The interview is being aired from 8 am today and Modi is in conversation with news anchor Arnab Goswami. (File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Republic Bharat Interview: A day after he kicked off the BJP’s Lok Sabha election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday gave an interview to Republic Bharat in which he spoke of the party’s prospects in the polls, emergence of an Opposition front, dynastic politics and several other issues ranging from the Rafale deal to unemployment.
Commenting on dynastic politics, PM Modi said, “It is not my problem, but dynastic politics is a major threat to India’s democracy. A party, which works as a personal company, where no one else can become President, is wrong. It is the responsibility of media houses like you to bring out such dynastic political families.”
“Nobody can doubt my love for the country,” said PM Modi, adding people questioning Balakot air strike are foolish. “I was awake and in constant touch with jawans during Balakot air strike,” he explained.
The Prime Minister will be visiting three states today — Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — to address rallies after he kicked off his poll campaign with three rallies yesterday. Stay tuned on our website for updates on his rallies.
On being asked if he's now become a part of Lutyens Delhi, PM Modi says, "I've found my family in as well as out of Delhi. I've taken Delhi outside, and the capital is as important to me as Chennai, Bhubaneshwar and Gujarat. Whether Delhi accepts me or not, I've taken Delhi to every corner of the country." As the interview concludes, PM Modi seizes the opportunity to urge people to come out in numbers and vote during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: "I was in Uttarakhand on a pre-scheduled visit on the day Pulawama attack happened. I got the information about the attack and decided to address the rally over the phone but restrained myself from immediately mentioning about the incident of such magnitude."
On being slammed by Maoists, militant groups for his actions, PM Modi says: "The country is supreme and anything that is threat to the country, the law will take care of it. If people want to accuse me, they engage in the mud-slinging. "
"Nehru ji spoke about poverty, so did Rajiv ji, and then Sonia Gandhi followed suit and now even Rahul Gandhi, the fifth generation from their family is doing the same. It is their ideology that they keep repeating whether in 2004, then again in 2009. Look at their tactic; it is about repeating the same agenda over and over again."
"Those who have seen my tenure as CM of Gujarat in the past 13-14 years, they won't accuse me of trying to control the judiciary and parliament. I've been silent all this while but should I question as to who ordered for the Emergency? Who jailed political leaders? Who stabbed their own father in law? Please not make me open my mouth."
Commenting on dynastic politics, PM Modi said, "It is not my problem, but dynastic politics is a major threat to India's democracy. The parties which are run by families, the country cannot function out of the families control. The party which works as a personal company where no one else can come in as President, this is wrong. It is the responsibility of media houses like you to bring out such dynastic political families.
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: "There are three points we are sure of- 1. We will come in full majority; 2. NDA and BJP will come in power in more seats; 3. As a responsible citizen, and as a prime minister for the past 5 years, I would say I want to work with whoever becomes victorious. In politics, everyone must work together. The people of this country suffered for 30 years but enjoyed in the past 5 years which makes me confident of the upcoming polls."
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: Regarding the Mahagatbandhan, PM Modi says, "In Bengal, Kerala and Odisha, has there been any understanding between the Opposition parties then how is the gatbandhan working? It is not yet happening. If people of this country have decided to give us the majority, then who can keep us out even if they decide to ally up after the polls are done? The country has made its decision to ensure full majority and reinstate the NDA government, no one can question that."
On Robert Vadra's investigation, "In India, there is a proper system of law. Congress has received a number of notices from the Court, but they take their own sweet time to respond. If we had to take the political route, we could have but we cannot and we have to ensure we follow the judicial system and it will the investigation is working at the right pace."
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: On fugitives, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi fleeing, PM Modi says, "The Opposition is slamming us on the basis of these fugitives but it is because of our strict actions in the country that they have had to flee. But do you realise, we have come down severely on their assets, and they have had to run because of our actions. During Opposition rule, you would not have even known the names of such fugitives, leave alone know what happened to them and what action was taken against them.
Recounting one of the accusations against him by the Opposition about owning 250 pair of clothing, he says, "I had a public meeting that day which could mean the 0 was wrong, or 5 was wrong or 2 was wrong. Even if their accusations are wrong, I want to accept it. I've heard your relatives and you have earned Rs 250 crore and now the public can make your choice if they want Rs 250 crore leader or a leader who owns 250 pair of clothing."
On the PM Modi's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, PM Modi to Republic Bharat: "I've been the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat. Yes, I'm a chaiwala and my past was never spoken about during my tenure as chief minister. But when I was elected as the Prime Minister, they started raising these issues while I proudly said that I was a chaiwala. As far as Chowkidar is concerned, it is a word I used for myself during 2011-2012 poll campaign too. Mahatma Gandhi also during his time had qualities of being a Chowkidar, not literally but in the spirit to ensure safety and security of the country."
Regarding PM Khan trying to contact PM Modi, he says, "Pakistan has constantly tried to assure that they will take action, but we hardly see anything happening from their end. So I've stopped responding to their assurances. Regarding the 26/11 attacks, we had given them a detailed dossier, but there was no response again. When PM Khan was elected, I congratulated him and I've taken steps for cordial talks but where is the action? It's good that PM Khan is doing good things for his citizens, but what is necessary right now is for Pakistan to come out of terrorism."
PM Modi attacks Opposition and says, "We can debate on the gas connections provided, house built and bank accounts opened with the Opposition. When I speak on progress, they change the topic and pick other issues. We are the government that works 24 hours and these are issues that matter to us but they keep talking about the same thing over and over again. It is unfortunate that when Abhinandan Varthaman was detained in Pakistan, the Opposition started questioning the Balakot air strike and regarding his return. It was their plan and they were going to bring out a 'candle light march' for it."
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: On Balakot air strike, Modi says, "It is my behaviour, where there is a risk to the jawans of India, I'm constantly involved it. There is no expectation from their end, but I could not sleep and I was aware of what was happening." Regarding the Opposition's 'personal attack' and saying the Pulwama attack, as well as Balakot air strikes, was 'match fixing' between PM Khan and PM Modi, he says: "No one can question my patriotism for my country. Everyone was aware of how big the attack was, but you should question the Opposition regarding such personal attacks. If they are sure of what they are blaming us for, they can go ahead with this as their agenda for the polls."
PM Modi to Republic Bharat: "Whatever we have been able to successfully execute in the past 5 years, it is because of the trust Indians place in us. We came into power with a sweeping majority, which shows the consent of the people and as of what I understand of politics, people have understood what Modi can do for them, what are the changes our government can bring in, how BJP can help the country progress. There are some spheres where India feels we lack, but we are sure that Indians won't let us down."
Voter is at the centre of the election. Political parties have to go to the polls only to meet the expectations of voters, says Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when asked "How's the Josh for election campaign" by Arnab Goswami.
On Mission Shakti, he said, "India has made its mark in the superspace league with Mission Shakti." When asked why this announcement comes right before the polls, Modi says, "It was not a pre-planned move, we announced it when the test was successful and it has taken immense effort over many years."
On being asked if this year's polls would be "Personality -driven polls", PM Modi said, "After 5 years of being in power, it is usual for the people to make the election campaigns synonymous with a personality and I've been constantly among the masses. "
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his previous interviews has spoken on issues ranging from the Ram Janmabhoomi case to demonetisation and the latest Balakot air strike. He has come down severely on the Opposition in his interviews and slammed the Opposition's mahagatbandhan on various occasions. He began his election campaigning from Meerut for the Lok Sabha elections on Thursday and will actively address rallies in different parts of the country in the days to come. The Prime Minister in a sudden interaction on Wednesday also announced the launch of Mission Shakti, the test of anti-satellite missile by bringing down one of its satellites in the low earth orbit.
Welcome to our LIVE blog on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview to Republic Bharat, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. We will bring you all the updates from the interaction which airs at 8 am today. Stay tuned!