I could do better than what I have done,but I am reasonably satisfied

Pakistan

India cannot realise its full development potential unless we have the best possible relations with our neighbours and Pakistan happens to be the largest neighbour of ours. Its been my effort to try to reduce the gap between our two countries without surrendering or without affecting our vital national interest. It is my conviction that the major problem between our two countries and the reason why we havent been able to make headway in the composite dialogue is that there has been lack of adequate trust. The trust deficit is the biggest problem and unless we tackle it,we cannot move to substantive negotiations. That is why we have agreed that the Foreign Ministers and the Foreign Secretaries should meet.

Naxals

Naxalism is the biggest internal security challenge that our country faces,but it is not correct to say that we have underestimated the magnitude of the problem.

Home Ministers statement that he has a limited mandate

With regard to what has been stated by the Home Minister,he has explained what he meant by his having a limited mandate. These are strategy issues which will be discussed in the appropriate forum of the Cabinet,whenever the opportunity arises. I do recognise that although law and order is primarily the states responsibility,this is a problem which has acquired a magnitude that cooperation between the Centre and the state Governments is absolutely necessary and that the Central Government must help the states in every possible way.

Kashmir

We are willing to discuss with Pakistan all outstanding issues and the only condition is that Pakistans territory should not be utilised for spreading terror against India. As far as my visit to Kashmir is concerned,it is a visit to one of the states of the Union. I would like to review the development programmes. As far as the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir is concerned,we have a democratic government there. I would like to discuss with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir what more can be done to accelerate the pace of development in the state. Furthermore,I would once again appeal to all elements in Jammu and Kashmir that our Government is ready for a dialogue provided all these groups which are outside the political mainstream shed the path of violence.

2G Spectrum and Telecom Minister

This matter has been discussed in Parliament. I have discussed this issue with Minister A Raja and he has told me that what he did was to implement a policy which was in place,that he had the recommendations of the TRAI and of the Telecom Commission supporting a course of action. It is certainly true that if you compare figures of what was collected by 2G process as against the 3G process,there is a huge gap. But one has to look at this whole problem in a proper perspective. There was a particular policy which was in place since 2003,before our Government came into power. Rajas point was that it would amount to discrimination against various new entrants if a different yardstick was appointed now. Subsequently,some complaints were received by the CVC. The CVC has asked the CBI to look into this. That process is on. Pending that investigation,it is not proper for me to express any definite opinion. I would like to say that our Government has been very clear right from the beginning that corruption is a problem,and if I come to know that theres any involvement at any level in corruption,we will take action.

Caste-based Census

I had made a statement in Parliament in which I had said that we would take into account the views expressed in Parliament by various sections. I will ask the Cabinet to consider that.

Muslims

Muslims have not participated in education and training to the extent they should have been involved. Last two years there have been some work done in this direction. A lot more has to be done. We will proceed with full sincerity and honesty in this direction.

Hindu Terrorism

Terrorism is a major national security issue,but terrorism has no religion. Terror,if it is being sponsored by particular religious elements,has to be dealt with effectively and purposefully. Our Governments policy is that whatever be the source of terror,whether it is Muslim involvement or Hindu involvement,regardless of religion,we must tackle that problem effectively.

Ministers making their opinions public

I welcome a dialogue between ministers and we are a democracy. We are a country of a billion people and in this large country,it is very important that we should explore and take advantage of the diverse opinion that may exist in a country as large,as complex and as diverse as India is. So,personally,I think this is an advantage. I think it is a healthy development that ministers give their opinion freely though,of course,it is very important that in matters which are before the Cabinet,it is not good that ministers air their differences in public. The Cabinet meets every week and I am very pleased to tell you that our Cabinet,in the last six years,have met almost on schedule every week. Thus,ministers have plenty of opportunities to express their views. I think these views should be first aired in the Cabinet.

Nuclear Agreement

I have no doubt that as far as the Nuclear Agreement with the United States is concerned,it will move forward. We have the need to ensure that our country does have an effective nuclear liability compensation arrangement. We need this if we have to become a major nuclear energy power.

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul is well qualified to hold a Cabinet post. I have discussed with him on a number of occasions though I dont remember the exact date when I last discussed this matter. He has always been reluctant to give a positive answer,telling me that he has duties to perform in reviving the Congress Party and he is doing a very good job. I have every reason to believe that as and when he is ready to join the Cabinet,he would be a very,very appropriate addition to the Cabinet. I sometimes feel that younger people should take over. As and when the Congress Party makes that judgment,I would be very happy to make place for anybody the party may choose.

Sonia Gandhi

I am very fortunate that I have the benefit of constant advice and guidance by the Congress president,Sonia Gandhi. Invariably,we meet every week to discuss all major issues or issues that need to be discussed. So,there is no basis for the belief that there are no effective coordination mechanisms for coordinating the work and coordinating the views between the Government and the Congress Party. I am very privileged to have the benefit of constant advice from both Sonia Gandhi and my wife. But both of them deal with different subjects,and I welcome the advices from both of them. There is not an iota of truth that there is any element of distrust or mistrust between me and the Congress president. The Congress president is the leader of the United Progressive Alliance. She is the president of the Congress and I am a Congressman.

Soft state label

Soft State or Hard State,I think,is a matter of perception. Perceptions can vary from person to person. As far as the case of Afzal Guru is concerned,there is a law of the land and legal processes are there in our country. I think they should be allowed to take their own course.

IPL controversy

There was a discussion on this issue in Parliament and the Finance Minister gave a reply. The Finance Ministry is investigating the issue and if anything comes out of it,we will take effective action.

His governments performance

Its not appropriate for me to rate my government. Let the people decide,let the media decide.

His own performance

I could do better than what I have done,but I am reasonably satisfied with the pace at which I have been working.

Accountability

As the Prime Minister of the country,I am accountable to Parliament; I am accountable to the people at large. So,I express my deep sorrow at the Dantewada incident and the tragedy that took place in Mangalore.

Retirement

I have been assigned a job and till the time it is not complete,theres no question of retirement.

Legacy

I am not bothered about legacy issues. I have a task to accomplish. I am trying to do it to the best of my ability.