Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a range of pressing issues and campaign narratives amid the high-voltage celebration of democracy in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi tackled allegations, outlined his vision for the future, and asserted his confidence in securing a third consecutive term for the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).
PM Modi began by addressing the various allegations against the BJP, including claims that the party plans to change the Constitution and engage in Hindu-Muslim polarisation. He firmly denied these accusations, emphasising that his government is committed to serving all 140 crore Indians and maintaining the integrity of India’s robust electoral process.
“I have never done Hindu-Muslim politics and will never do it,” PM Modi stated. He pointed out that addressing issues like triple talaq does not equate to being anti-Muslim. Instead, he accused the Opposition of communal politics, asserting, “You fully followed the communal agenda. And I exposed it.”
Confident of his party’s return for a third straight term, PM Modi revealed that he is preparing a plan for the first 125 days of his new term, should the BJP win. He highlighted that 25 days would be dedicated exclusively to addressing youth issues. Additionally, he is consulting his legal team on creating a law to return money seized from corrupt individuals to the victims. “Till now, I have returned Rs 17,000 crore whose trail was found,” he said, referring to funds recovered by the Enforcement Directorate.
Discussing the BJP’s electoral strategy, PM Modi explained how he instructed party members to work tirelessly for the ‘lotus’, the BJP’s election symbol, even before candidates were declared. He used the metaphor of the lotus blooming in mud to illustrate how adversity strengthens the party. “The more mud you sling, the more the lotus blooms,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also elaborated on the origins of the BJP’s ambitious abki baar ‘400 paar’ campaign . He explained that the target of securing over 400 Lok Sabha seats emerged from the ground-level feedback and perspectives of the people. “We have already had 400 seats since the 2019 polls, as NDA and NDA plus. So, it is my duty as leader to tell them that we have to go beyond 400,” PM Modi stated.
PM Modi defended the BJP’s economic policies, particularly regarding wealth creation. He firmly stated that he supports wealth creators and is ready to face punishment if found guilty of dishonesty. “If I have done dishonesty, then I should be hanged. If I have [benefited anyone] in the wrong way, then I should be hanged. But I will respect the wealth creators in my country,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted his government’s job creation and infrastructure development efforts. He criticised the Congress’s promise of creating 30 lakh jobs, questioning why the party had yet to implement similar measures in states where it holds power. PM Modi cited the rise in sanctions of Mudra loans and infrastructure schemes as evidence of effective employment generation, claiming that six crore jobs had been added through these initiatives.
Responding to allegations that the Election Commission (EC) favoured the BJP, PM Modi defended the body’s independence. He recounted how the EC was often headed by a single person for 56 years, who would later become a governor or MP. He pointed out that one of the former chiefs even contested an election against LK Advani. “The Election Commission is completely independent… The election process of India is a great wonder for the world,” he said.
Addressing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), PM Modi refuted claims that it was a step towards homogenizing India’s diverse cultural practices. He used the example of Goa, which has its civil code, to illustrate that UCC would not erase cultural differences. “Do the people of Goa wear the same type of clothes? Do the people of Goa eat the same type of food,” he asked rhetorically.
PM Modi also dismissed Opposition scaremongering about the BJP’s intentions to change the Constitution and abolish reservations. He accused Congress of repeatedly attacking the Constitution, starting with Jawaharlal Nehru. “Four people from the same family tore apart the Constitution at different times,” he claimed, asserting his commitment to uphold the Constituent Assembly’s sentiment against religion-based reservations.
The Prime Minister touched upon his foreign policy stance, emphasising that decisions are based on the ‘India First’ principle. He recounted how he sent a special envoy to Israel to urge a halt in bombings in Gaza during Ramzan, showcasing his commitment to communal harmony.
The interview also shed light on PM Modi’s approach to media interactions. He explained why he does not hold press conferences, citing the changing role of the media and the availability of multiple communication avenues. PM Modi stated that while he has never refused interviews, he is wary of the media being used in a certain way and prefers more direct communication methods.
Earlier, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, echoed PM Modi’s confidence, predicting that the BJP would “definitely cross 400” seats. Goyal highlighted the party’s growing presence in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. He noted that the BJP aims to secure significant vote shares and win several key constituencies, signaling a strategic focus on expanding the party’s footprint in these regions.
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