ZEE NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Invoke Rajiv legacy, but answer for his follies: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said since Congress asks for votes invoking legacy of former Prime Ministers, hence they have to answer for all the controversial issues surrounding it. “Answers have to be given about the Bhopal Gas leak case, about Bofors, about the ‘big tree shaking’ quote, regarding Shah Bano case and why Kamal Nath had been made Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister,” PM Modi said. 

Elucidating on how much he is abused nowadays in rallies, the Prime Minister said, “I get hurt, I am also human but for the welfare of all citizens of India, I drink my tears in silence. I have a responsibility towards India and it is the most important thing.”

The Prime Minister added that he has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism from the Opposition for the last 20 years, but he decides to focus on his work instead.

The Prime Minister has been called many things in this election and in the run-up to the polls, like ‘Maut Ka Saudagar, Duryodhan, Chor’ but the Prime Minsiter maintains that he was committed to the people of India and hence tried to turn a deaf ear to many of those comments.

“It hurts me when they abuse me, but I am used to it now,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi sighed.

On allegations and mudslinging by his political detractors, PM Modi also remarked, “All the bitter and abusive words in the dictionary are spoken for me these days.” 

PM Modi said that his family is not in public life hence both issues shouldn’t be conflated.  

Responding to the opposition’s repeated claims regarding the EVM malfunctioning, the PM said, “People have started preparing for their impending defeat.”

“It is like the players who protest in front of the umpire after getting out,” the PM stated.

To a question on the Opposition leaders making personal attacks on him, the PM said, “It hurts when people abuse me and use all those harsh words against me, but I am used to it now.”

During the interview, the PM recalled that in 2014, the first FIR was filed against him when he had gone to vote in Varanasi. 

PM said that Election Commission was extremely active in taking action over an allegation. PM also recalled how roadshows in Varanasi were cancelled in 2014 and, this time too, his rallies were denied permission by the West Bengal government.

On his equation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the PM said, “I have no problems with Mamata Ji, but I can’t see the way West Bengal is being ruled and ruined.” “It’s OK if you don’t treat me as your leader, but not treating me as the PM, how is this justified. Is it not an insult to the Constitution,” the PM asked.      

The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress’ culture of dynasty politics, which he said “was a big threat to democracy in India.”

PM Modi also denied making any allegations against former PM Rajiv Gandhi but said that he only raised those issues which rocked his government like the Bofors case, the Bhopal gas tragedy or 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

On questions of Opposition demanding proof of the surgical strike and the Balakot strike, the PM said it’s pity that rather praising the government for its bold steps, his rivals keep asking for the evidence.

“Peace is not meant for the weak..only the powerful and capable succeed in establishing peace. It is important for India to be seen as a powerful nation. Otherwise, there will be no stability, no peace in this region,” the PM said.    

While maintaining that it is important to uproot the evil of terrorism, the PM said the war is no solution for it. 

When asked about his ‘problem’ with Mamata Banerjee, PM Modi said the question ought to be asked to those who had worked with the West Bengal CM. PM said that while Didi could recognise the Pakistan PM, she couldn’t recognise the Indian PM, which in turn suggested she didn’t believe in the Constitution. PM Modi’s jibe comes after Mamata Banerjee refused to take his call or even meet him after Cyclone Fani.

On new govt’s 100-day plans

Regarding possible plans prepared for 100 days of the new government, PM said that he believes in continuity. PM Modi said election time is like vacation time for babus and he is not a big believer in holidays, and hence have already outlined some of the work to be done later. PM Modi recalled how Rahul had revealed that tarnishing his image was his strategy. PM said his image is built over the years and is not propped up by others. 

‘Weak India will have own woes’

PM Modi said he is a big believer in peace but only a strong nation can maintain it. PM said that a weak India would only attract problems. He said earlier there used to be terror attacks but India couldn’t reply and now it is giving a befitting reply. When asked about lack of appreciation from the opposition regarding getting the prestigious awards, PM said that BJP doesn’t have Lutyens people with them hence those things are not highlighted that much though he doesn’t care for it.