Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sat down with the ANI news agency one day ahead of the UP polls for a two-hour interview. He talked about the government’s efforts in the five states going for elections this year: Punjab, Manipur, Goa, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Here is a quick recap of key points that were discussed:
- Farm Laws
The Prime Minister reiterated his party’s position about repealing the farm laws stating that the decision to take back the laws was born in the national interest. “I have come to win the hearts of farmers and did so. I understand the pain of small farmers. I had said that farm laws were implemented for the benefit of farmers but were taken back in the national interest,” he said.
- The Ferozpur security breach incident
The prime minister maintained silence on the issue, saying any statement would impact the investigation. “I have maintained silence on the issue. Supreme Court is looking into the matter seriously. Any statement that I make in this regard will impact the investigation, and it is not right,” said PM Modi said on the issue.
- Dynasty Politics
Speaking vehemently against the prevalence of dynasty politics, he said, “BJP opines the government has no business to do business. Its job is to think about food for the poor, make houses and toilets for them, get them clean drinking water, make health facilities available to them, make roads, to think about the small farmers. This is my priority.
“If somebody calls this socialism, I accept it. When I talk of fake socialism, it’s about dynasty. Can you see Lohia ji’s, George Fernandes’, Nitish Kumar’s families? They are socialists,” he said. Further, he added how 45 people from the Samajwadi Party hold some of the other posts in various institutions and how this form of dynastic politics harms the nation.
- Caste-based politics
He admitted how caste still plays a role in the distribution of party tickets to various candidates and how the party is focused on bringing this to an end. “We start classification on caste basis during tickets distribution and discuss what vote per cent would be given by which community. We should change it. Want to go ahead with ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ mantra. Unity is important to take the nation forward.”
- Women Empowerment
The PM discussed the improved law and order and women safety situation in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “Today women say that they can step out even after dark. This trust is essential for security. There was a time in UP when goons could do anything they wanted, today they surrender. Yogi ji prioritised security and didn’t compromise with it,” the prime minister said.
- His take on the assembly polls
PM Modi seemed to be confident when discussing the outcome of polling in the five election-bound states. “I have seen in all states that there is the inclination towards the BJP, and we will win the elections with a full majority. The people of all these five states will give BJP the opportunity to serve them,” he said.
- On allegations of defaming Pandit Nehru
“Didn’t speak against anyone’s father/grandfather. I said what a former PM had said. It’s the right of the nation (to know). They say we don’t mention Nehru Ji. If we do, then too there’s difficulty. Don’t understand this fear,” said PM Modi when asked about the allegations of trying to besmirch the name of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of an independent India.
