New Delhi: Ahead of the 2019 General Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Eenadu Group about the Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) Sankalp Patra, a 45-page manifesto titled - 'Sankalpit Bharat, Sashakt Bharat'.
Here are the highlights:
Q1: What is the biggest achievement of your government?
A1: We have ensured that our multi-pronged strategy makes the working of every government department more convenient and transparent. In this regard, we have not left out any sector/department, and we believe in - 'Reform, Perform and Transform'. Hence, we are moving ahead in this direction itself.
In general, a typical government focusses on 2-3 important sectors. Comparing the same to the previous regime of Manmohan Singh, Congress had just concentrated on the MNREGA scheme. As, I had the valuable experience of working as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I am more into working across a multi-dimensional forum, with respect to the administration.
I like taking decisions simultaneously for the welfare of the people. In my opinion, if you want to run a country properly, then all the issues should be addressed in a time-bound manner.
Q2: What is the most satisfying reform for you in 5 years?
A2: Before 2014, people were disappointed listening to various scandals and scams in the country. But now, people are hopeful and they have trust in our government. This change in people's mindset and belief in good governance is satisfactory to me.
Q3: What is your take on the grand-alliance ('Mahagathbandhan')?
A3: It was my maiden stint as a the Prime Minister of the country. Now, people have seen my work in the past five years and they have witnessed a stable government after three decades. Public also believes that India needs a strong and stable government at the Centre. So, they will not support Mahagathbandhan, which is essentially a confluence of different ideologies.
Q4: Do you think the SP-BSP alliance have an upper hand in Uttar Pradesh?
A4:Politics does not work on arithmetic, but the results of the election do. They take voters for granted and do not have an idea about the power of young voters. The latter are an energetic lot and aspire to fulfill their dreams. They are quite aware on how the two parties, who once opposed each other, have formed an alliance.
Q5: Opposition is raising issues like unemployment and agrarian crisis, what impact will it have on the elections?
A5: This is the 'Information Age', and everything is shared instantly at various social media platforms. Earlier, the politicians could fool people, but now the time has changed.
Now, people have easy access to the information. They can evaluate whether the construction of roads, railway lines etc., is more than before, generation of employment opportunities and much more.
Even, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is higher than before, so the investment does generate employment. Also, the Mudra scheme has helped people to get loans in a convenient way and have enabled them in investing in new business and ventures, besides hiring people. If people consider all this things, then the falsity professed by the opposition will not be entertained by the voters.
Q6: How have you dealt with the concerns of farmers in the country?
A6: We have studied the 'Swaminathan Commission' report and decided to increase the value of farm crops by 1.5 times its original cost. We are buying the crops (from the farmers) in larger quantites as compared to previous governments. Besides this, we are also implementing several schemes to enable the farmers utilise modern techniques in farming.
We will further introduce a pension scheme for farmers and will also waive interest, if a farmer takes a loan of Rs 5 lakh for a one-year term. We have launched schemes like Soil Health Card and e-NAM, which has been helping millions of farmers.
Q7: Despite this, the farmers took out a protest in the form of 'Kisan Long March' in Maharashtra. Tamil Nadu farmers also protested outside the Parliament. What could be the reason for this?
A7:It is true that the farmers protested, but it did not stay for long. As soon as they got to know about the reality of the situation, their faith in us increased.
Q8: There was a movement related to cattle. Have animals have become a problem for farmers?
A8: Our government has decided to double the income of farmers. In this regard, we have urged them to use solar pumps, which can increase the productivity with less investment and transform 'food providers' as 'energy providers'.
With respect to additional returns (to farmers), production of honey will be done/taken up alongside the regular farming activities. In order to generate better farm income via access to inputs and markets, organisations comprising of primary producers like farmers, milk producers, fishermen etc., will be created.
Q9: Nanaji Deshmukh promoted organic farming in Chitrakoot. How relevant do you think it is, to the current situation?
A9:I believe that organic farming has a global market. Sikkim became the first state to achieve the distinction in our country. We are prioritising the same in Himalayan and Northeastern states, so that they turn into the 'National Capital of Organic Farming'.
In today's world, people have become health conscious, which in turn has increased the demand of organic farming. The necessary arrangements have been initiated in the last few years and it will be beneficial on the long run.
Q10: Is it economically viable?
A10: The governor of Himachal Pradesh is experimenting with the concept of 'Zero Budget Farming'. We have also conferred Padma Shri to such farming experts from Maharashtra. There are several ways in which the organic farming can be encouraged and made possible, with the above being some of them.
Q11: Congress has raised questions against 'Demonetisation'. Mallikarjun Kharge, in a press conference, accused the BJP government by calling it a 'scandal'. It has been a long time. What do you think is the end result?
A11: First of all, the topic of demonetisation was raised in the country, long back. During Indira Gandhi's tenure, the then Finance Minister - Yashwant Rao Chauhan had introduced the proposal and said that demonetisation was important.
It was a time when Rs.100 was a big amount.
Indiraji got scared, at that time, and said that it can be economically done but it would be a political misadventure and will not be able to win the election. If they would taken the initiative before, the disease would not have spread so much. Now, that it has spread, there is no cure, but this!
Because, if there is a presence of a parallel economy, the formation of the real economy will decrease. That way the country cannot run. You must have seen, when we came into power, after Manmohan Singhji's government, there was money coming out from ministers mattresses, wardrobes etc., and were filled in sacks in a garage.
These news were flooded and went viral in the media and that was the matter of concern. Hence, we took this decision and it was profitable, as crores of black money came into light. More than 350-400 shell companies were unearthed and were immediately closed. The number of people, who have been filing I-T returns in the past 70 years, doubled in five years time. This is a huge power in itself.
You must have noticed that we gave offers for UPI digital transactions. When I came, the digital transactions in the country was Rs 3 lakh per day. Now, it has increased to Rs 80 crore per week and this is the biggest leap that could have happen. All these happened after demonetisation and indicates that the country is moving towards honesty.
Q12: Some people are saying that demonetisation had no effect on the black money, as all of it had not come back to the banks. Is it so?
A12: We were able to convert an informal sector to a formal sector.
Q13: In case of economic offenders like Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi, their properties were seized, butModigovernment failed to bring these people back to India?
A13: Firstly, whenever Congress speaks about this issue, I want my friends from media to publish the names of all those who ran away in their 70 years of governance. That should also be discussed.
Secondly, our government brought back - Deepak Talwar, Christian Michel and Rajiv Saxena. This means our government's intention is clear. We have also made strict laws and seized illegal money. We will win the legal battle and you must be witnessing news, coming one after another.
Q14: Pluralism and cordiality are among the basic sentiments of Indian culture. But there is a sense of insecurity among the minorities in the last five years. Do you agree with this? If that is the case then why?
A14: There are certain class of people who prepare narratives with bad intentions and selfishness, with or without political benefit, due to which the good work of government gets overshadowed.
When elections were going on in Delhi, the news of the attack on the Church was so fierce, but later, nothing came out.
So that is why it is not the truth. If you talk of riots, the worst riots took place during the Congress regime, where most minority chiefs were killed. Today, India is experiencing a favourable environment. Somebody in Saudi Arabia wrote that if one should learn to live together, it should be learnt from India.
Q15: Incaseof Rafael Deal, you have said many times that the government has got a clean chit from the Supreme Court and the CAG. Technically it is right, but the question arises that why a company on the verge of being bankrupt was given offset work. Is such a company eligible for the defence sector?
A15: First of all, this is a lie and all this has been discussed in the Supreme Court. There is no such system and all the statistics are all false. In the Parliament, we have told about companies and the offset. The same things were told to CAG and the Supreme Court. We got clean chit from every place, but still people lie for their political benefits.
Media should not drag this issue as it is all baseless. They gave more space to Rafael Deal than to the news of AugustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. In the case of National Herald corruption, why the senior leaders of Congress are on bail? How much time and space did media devote to this news which is a certified case? What is the pressure and compulsion that the media is so silent?
Q16: Opposition has questioned the autonomy of institutions like the Election Commission, CBI and RBI. Whether this was done in the emergency, is enough reason to justify it. What do you have to say?
A16: Congress said that if Chief Justice of the Supreme Court does not implement the agenda, then they talk about taking action against him. On losing elections, they abuse the Election Commission and EVM machines. Every time when things don not go their way they start abusing. Our efforts have been to strengthen the institutions. When CBI was facing interference, we created a committee immediately. Powers of CBI and the judiciary have been misused against me as well. We do not want any citizen of the country to be upset. We want institutions to work independently, and this is essential for the country and this is our firm belief.
Q17: What implications will 'NYAY' scheme have on BPLhoseholds?
A17: Congress have unintentionally accepted that they have done injustice to the poor of this country. Will they provide justice to youth of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh? They said that they will give allowance to unemployed youth of these states, but still the youth are seeking justice from them. They promised loan waiver to farmers of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. All are seeking justice (NYAY) from them.
Q18: How will people trust your current promise of expeditiousconstuctionof Ram temple when you failed to do it in this tenure?
A18: We kept our stand in Court and now we are waiting for the judgement of the Supreme Court in this matter. Contrary to this, Congress urged the court not to announce judgement in 2019. How can they influence and pressurize court, this is a thing to worry.
Q19: There are still some issues to be resolved in states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?
A19:During Atalji's tenure, bifurcation of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar was carried out, but none of them was against the sentiments of people. Congress bifurcated Andhra Pradesh in haste and to gain political benefit. So, the issues are still there in both states and needs to be resolved.
Q20: Will people of Andhra Pradesh get special status for the state if BJPregainpower?
A20:This has already been clarified by Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in his legislative assembly, that he gained more benefit from the centre (irrespective of special status), but he is indulged in petty politics now.
Q21: What will be Centre's role inPolavaramproject of Andhra Pradesh's capital Amravati?
A21: We have provided sufficient funds to the Andhra Pradesh government for this project. Unluckily, the state government considers this project as ATM machine...from where they can draw money. So, they are not interested in the completion of project.
Q22: Andhra Pradesh government has alleged of not releasing fund of around Rs 4500 crore for Polavaram project. What will you say?
A22: The Centre has been providing funds regularly but the Andhra goverment is not providing details of the money usage. Even, when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat...I used to share details of the expenses with the Centre. We are committed for the Polavaram project. Infact, Chandrababu Naidu should learn from former Chief Minister of Chattisgarh Raman Singh, under whose tenure Naya Raipur was developed.
Q23: Many political analysts believe that BJP, TRS and YSRCP are essentially Anti-Congress parties?
A23: After elections, if the NDA seats are reduced, then their natural option would be to support the NDA directly or indirectly.
I will repeat my words, BJP will win more seats than before. All the NDA allies will bring more seats than before. We are always trying to bring the government of absolute majority, but the country should run with everyones consent. Therefore, even if we come with 3/4ths majority we would take everyone with us, even if its one MP.
Q24: The 'Women Reservation Bill' was passed in Rajya Sabha. Why is it still stuck in Lok Sabha, even after havingfullmajority?
A24: There is a two-third majority, we are still running on this subject and want to move it forward.
Q25. There is a demand for declaring Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana state as a National Project. What is your stance on it?
A25:The government studies all such demands closely, and goes ahead, after holding detailed discussions on them.
Q26: What do you understand from such a statement that 'gharmeinghuskarmarenge'? Will the Indian army face a situation to cross LOC again?
A26: We are determined to completely destroy terrorism and for that we will try everything.
Q27: Nationalism and national security are considered to be a strong pitch for BJP. As time went on, India has experienced an increase inthe nationalsecurity measures. Do you think this step has increased the BJP's electoral prospects too?
A27: We do not do all these things for politics. We do this for patriotism and national interest.
Q28: BJP's publicity campaign has become less real. During 2014, Mani Shankar Aiyar talked about tea whichleadto the campaign of 'Chai Pe Charcha' and during Gujarat's elections, the campaign of 'Kum Cho Vikas, Kum Cho Gujarat' was pushed forward. This time's campaign 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' is also reactive in nature and not real. What do you have to say about it?
A28: No, in my election speech in 2014, I used to say that 'I am a watchman'. In my speech, I urged the people to give me the work of 'watchman the country' and I will not let any claw fall on the country's treasure.
Q29: What will be the priority of your next government, will something change?
A29: My only priority is to take this country to new heights. Protecting the interests of the people and giving them opportunities for development.
