From his big vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 to his intervention in bringing Indian students back from Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about all the major events ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in an interview with news agency ANI.
The Prime Minister also hailed the role of the Enforcement Directorate in tackling corruption and black money in the nation over the past decade. He also asserted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment towards ‘One Nation, One Poll’.
Top Points From PM Modi’s Interview
PM Modi On His Big Vision For Developed India By 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed on his “big plans” for making India developed by 2047 and said that “no one should be scared”.
“I don’t take decisions to scare or run-over anyone, I take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation,” PM Modi said.
He said that work for the Viksit Bharat project has been underway for the last two years. The PM noted that he has already made a target plan for his first 100 days in office if he is elected in the upcoming general elections. The Prime Minister does not want to “lose even a minute”.
He said that he is only serving Mother India like a son, adding that this was his mission.
PM Modi On ED, Charges Of ‘Misusing’ Central Agencies Against BJP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Enforcement Directorate’s role in tackling black money and corruption in the nation over the past decade.
He also refuted the charges of the BJP using the central agencies to clamp the voices of opposition leaders and maintained that 97 per cent of cases of the ED are against people not involved in politics.
“In the last ten years, we have recovered Rs 2,200 crore in cash, while before 2014, ED could only recover Rs 34 lakh cash which can be carried in a school bag… It means that the ED is doing a good job,” he said.
He asserted that corruption has destroyed the country and it has to be tackled with full might.
PM Modi On BJP’s Commitment Towards ONOP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced the BJP’s commitment towards ‘One Nation, One Poll’ (ONOP).
In the interview with ANI, PM Modi said that the committee formed to prepare a report on ONOP received positive feedback and innovative suggestions.
He said that many people have come on-board with the idea of One Nation, One Election in the country. “The committee received very positive and innovative suggestions and the country will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi On Scrapping Of Electoral Bonds
Defending electoral bonds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it made the money trail clear and “everyone would regret scrapping it”.
“Money is spent in elections, nobody can deny this. My party also spends, all parties, candidates spend and money has to be taken from people. I wanted that we try something to free the elections of this black money? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way,” PM Modi said.
He said electoral bonds showed which company gave it, how they give it and where they give it. “And that is why I say when they (opposition) will think honestly, everyone will regret it [the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds],” he told news agency ANI.
He said there was debate in Parliament on the electoral bonds scheme when the relevant bill was passed and some of those who are now commenting on it had supported it.
He also took a swipe at the opposition for spreading lies over electoral bonds and said of the 3,000 companies that gave donations through the scheme, 26 were being probed by agencies such as the ED.
PM Modi Questions Congress’ Alliance With ‘Anti-Sanatana’ DMK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned the Congress over its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu over the latter’s “anti-Sanatana” stance.
In the interview with ANI, he asked as to what was Congress’ compulsion over forming an alliance with the DMK which spewed “hatred” and “venom” against Sanatana Dharma.
“The Congress with which Mahatma Gandhi’s name was associated. The Congress where Indira Gandhi used to wear a garland (Rudraksha mala) around her neck. The question should be asked to the Congress. What is your helplessness? Why are you sitting with people who are so vicious against Sanatana? Will your politics remain incomplete? What is this Congress thinking? This is the topic of concern,” the PM said.
He said the painting on every page of the first Constitution was connected to Sanatana, it was part of the government. “And today, if someone has the courage to abuse Sanatana so much, and if you do the politics with them for the election and support that party, then it is a matter of concern for the country,” the PM said.
“People’s anger against the DMK is getting diverted towards the BJP in a positive way,” he added.
PM Modi On His Intervention To Bring Indian Students Home From Ukraine
Pressing on the increased credibility of India over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was the Indian tricolour’s strength that became his “guarantee” when several Indians were stuck in Ukraine at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I have been very friendly with both the presidents (Russia and Ukraine). I can publicly tell President Putin that it is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue,” underscoring that “this is because I have credibility,” he said during an interview with news agency ANI.
He said that the strength of the India flag was so great that “even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand. So there was a place for him. So my flag became my guarantee,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting India’s diplomatic prowess, he also recalled how in 2015, there used to be a period of ‘no bombarding’ on India’s request, while Indians were being evacuated from a war-torn Yemen.
PM Modi On Elon Musk’s Visit, Big-ticket Investment Plans
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the interview with ANI, said that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a supporter of India. Musk is scheduled to visit the nation later this month.
While the Tesla CEO’s plans about the visit are yet to be confirmed, it is being believed that he might reveal big-ticket investment plans for the country.
“Elon Musk is supporter of Modi is one thing, basically, he is a supporter of India…I want investment in India. Paisa kisi ka bhi laga ho (Whoever wishes to invest can, but it must be built by Indians so that the youth of my country get employment),” the PM said.
PM Modi’s ‘Strategy’ On US Prez Handshake With Saudi Crown Prince
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the handshake between US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman and proving Western media criticizers wrong about joint G20 declaration.
“…I did not want to wait until the last session. I wanted to get it done early which would surprise people. We got the Declaration in the first session on the second day itself,” he said, adding that “attempts were made to drag G20 on the basis of negative estimations – I wanted to surprise them by all means. That was my strategy. The strategy was successful and I am happy…”
‘Result Of Mindlessness’: PM Modi on North-South Debate
Commenting on the ‘North-South debate’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that viewing the nation as separate units “is a result of mindlessness regarding India”. “Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Ram’s name? Tamil Nadu…Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it…How can you term it a separate (unit)?” PM Modi said.
He said that “diversity is our strength and we should celebrate it”. “India is a bouquet where everyone can see their flower. That is the sentiment which should be harboured,” PM Modi added.
