Indian democracy has matured a lot, individuals interpret reality of things even if they are uneducated: PM Modi in exclusive interview
New Delhi, January 22: India is a country where democracy has matured a lot and individuals can interpret the reality of things even if they are uneducated. This was said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an exclusive interview with Times Now on Sunday in New Delhi.
As soon as the interview started, PM Modi said that each and every Indian has the right to speak to him and say 'Mr Modi please stand and talk to us'. PM Modi reiterated saying that we are there for those who believe in the Constitution of India and for those who live and die for the nation.
On being asked about his schedules on upcoming elections, PM Modi said that he never make his time table on the basis of the election timetable. “My timetable depends on the task of working for the common man and limit that task to a certain timeframe,” he added.
Answering the government's foreign policy, PM Modi said that India's foreign policy is issue-based and is in the context of its relations with the world. PM Modi said, "If you think we are doing so much hard work around the world to isolate one nation, then that is wrong. This is not our work. Yes, the world is grappling with the scourge of terrorism and whoever is sympathetic towards terrorists, the world is uniting against them. President trump has raised his voice against terror with a lot of assertion and I respect him."
Referring to an upcoming budget, PM Modi said that it is the responsibility of the government to understand the needs and aspirations of the people and work toward achieving them honestly. ““Budget is the property of Parliament. It falls under the ambit of our finance minister, so I don’t want to interfere in that,” PM Modi stated. “It is the responsibility of the country, of the state governments and the union government that the problems faced by our farmers are understood and resolved,” PM Modi said.
Talking on the situation of Jammu and Kashmir and on the appointment of the Centre's representative for dialogue on Kashmir, PM Modi said that dialogue does take place with every Indian citizen and it will continue to take place.
During the exclusive interview, PM Modi thanked Israel PM Netanyahu and said, “I am grateful to PM Netanyahu for praising the Indian government so much. He said a lot of good things about me for which I am very grateful to him.”
PM Modi on being asked about the Triple Talaq bill said that many Islamic countries have also changed their laws and whether it is Congress or any other party that indulges in vote bank politics must get out of this regressive mindset and think from the point of view of women empowerment.
On being asked about the latest rift between senior judges of Supreme Court PM Modi said, "I think I should stay away from this debate. The government must also stay away and likewise the political parties must also keep out of it." “India's judiciary has very capable people, they will sit together and find the solution to their problems. I have faith in our country's justice system, they will definitely figure out a solution," PM Modi added.
Answering to the question about lack of employment in the country, PM Modi said that the rate of building railway tracks in a day has doubled, likewise the rate of electrification has also doubled. “Aren't these clear indicators of employment generation?," PM Modi asked.
PM Modi also urged all the individuals to attempt to deliver a product to this nation which will be useful for a longer period. PM Modi used the example of Holi, the festival of colour, to explain why simultaneous elections should be brought in.
“Imagine it is the festival of Holi. We apply colours, we spoil our clothes, we even throw dirt, paint someone black but that's for a short time. After that everyone washes up and hugs each other. Even elections must be at a specific time so that all the mudslinging can be done at that time and then for the rest of the five years, we can work,” stated PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi also raised the environment that the country sees in the run-up to an election in the country. “If elections are there then blame games are bound to happen, mudslinging will happen. Debates are bound to happen. This is how a democracy is, it is understood, it cannot be stopped,” PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of multiple voter lists every election, saying: “See the unfortunate situation, when local body polls are there, its voter list is different, municipal polls have a different voter list, assembly and Lok Sabha have a different voter list. In a technologically sound world like today, can't there be just one voter list?” PM further added that all our teachers' effort goes in sorting out these voter lists.
“Now see, there were Lok Sabha elections in 2009, that time the amount spent was Rs 1,000-1,100 crores. In 2014, 4,000 crores was spent,” stated PM Modi, adding that not just him, India's former president Pranab Mukherjee also recommended holding simultaneous polls. There are many benefits if the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections are held together, said PM Modi.
“If Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections are held together, the expenditure of the country will be saved, time will be saved and lakhs of security personnel in our country are deployed during elections for 100-150 days in a year, whereas we are faced with so many revolutions and situations. Must we deploy forces for security or for election procedures? If it is done together, and I believe that the date must be fixed for both the elections to be held together and within a month or so, local body polls are held and they should continue for 5 years,” said PM Modi.
Referring to the strength of the Indian Passport, PM Modi stated that people who live abroad and those who keep travelling abroad will know the respect that the Indian Passport carries today. On the furious debate in the country regarding where the National Anthem must be sung and whether or not people must stand when it is played, PM Modi said, "We will have to improve the loopholes there. We should make united attempts to help develop an appropriate system even if it takes 6 months, 8 months, a year or 2 years."
Talking about the dirty games played by the opposition against him, PM Modi said that the opposition has made several attempts to finish Narendra Modi politically but they couldn’t. “I wish them all the best as the path that they are on is what has helped me reach here,” he added.
PM Modi also explained a central political theme of BJP over the past three years and it is “Congress-mukt Bharat” slogan. He clarified saying that slogan was not against Congress party, but against the culture represented by the party. When I say Congress-free India it's not related to election outcomes. What I mean is that the Congress should free itself from its culture of casteism, dynasty politics, corruption and involving total control over power among other ills,” PM Modi added.
Discussing Mudra Yojana, PM Modi said that it will inspire every youngster in the country. “Out of the ten crore people who got loans, three crore are the ones who have been disbursed loans by banks for the first time.” He said India has become a land of great opportunity now. “I will ensure that the world gets to see true face of India and understand the true capability of India,” PM Modi promised.
Talking about the directions taken by the government for the ease of living, PM Modi said that the BJP led central government has launched 'Ujwala' scheme and provided gas to around 3,30,00,000 families. “This in itself a step in the direction of ease of living,” PM Modi noted.
Counting the achievement of current government, PM Modi said that India has actually jumped 42 places in ease of doing business after we came to power. “This in itself is a big achievement,” The Prime Minister added.
On being asked about demonetisation, PM Modi said that the move not only had a positive impact on India's federal structure but also redefined RBI's role. PM Modi on demonetisation and GST regime further added that all steps taken by central government have been accepted and appreciated by Indians at every turn and that is my biggest asset.
“Be it IMF, World Bank, Moody's, Credit Rating Agencies, or the people who write about World affairs and policies, their compliments on the steps taken by India is a good thing,” PM Modi said. “Today, India's economic policy is being seen as a shining star with optimism and expectation,” he added.
“Earlier, India was named in the fragile five in 2013-14 but now FDI has increased from 30 billion dollars to more than 62 billion dollars said PM Modi adding while this is a big jump in itself.” “This happens when there is trust in economic policies,” he added. “India has achieved a track record of doing well in every field in the last three years, it is because of that, that the world has turned to us,” said PM Modi.
“The world is saying India is a bright spot. I would definitely want that the country should get a comparative study of the 10 years of UPA with our three-and-a-half years in office, says PM Modi on GDP growth estimates, ”PM Modi concluded.