Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Welcome viewers. Today, we are joined by a successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview for the audience of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat. Welcome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and thank you for giving us the time.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Greetings to the viewers of Times Now
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: Sir, how are you? Kem Cho?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Kem Cho. Now, my habit has gone down. I have a problem, and i.e. now that I am speaking in Hindi mostly, some families who belong to Hindi-speaking backgrounds told me that speaking in Gujarati doesn't suit me and, hence, I should refrain from speaking in Gujarati.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: But yesterday you were speaking in Bengali in Bengal
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Yes, I do try
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: So, you know many languages
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I am always in touch. I am genuinely interested in learning multiple languages.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Prime Minister, the very first question that I want to ask is that the voting process has taken place in 2 phases. And some nominations took place under shadow of fear. Others were routine. When will you be filing your nomination papers from Kashi? And how do you value the bond that you share with Kashi?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Kashi will be voting in the last phase of polls. The voting process in U.P. takes place from west to east, so Kashi will be voting in the last phase of polls. My party has decided to field me as the candidate once again from Kashi, but I am a little emotional regarding that, whether it's politically or otherwise. When I went to Kashi in 2014, my candidature was decided at the last moment, so after the nomination procedure, when the people from the media spoke to me, I casually said, I admit that at that time, I was not prepared. I said that I didn't come here, no one sent me here, I am here because Maa Ganga asked me to come. Today, after 10 years, I can say that Maa Ganga has adopted me. In the last 10 years, I have been so connected with Kashi that whenever I speak, I say that it's my Kashi. It's like a relationship between a mother and a son. That's the relationship I share with Kashi. Democracy is there; I will fill out the nomination papers, I will seek blessings from the people, and I am sure the people will also bless me. But I want to highlight that this relationship is not like that between a constituency and its representative. This relationship is a different experience altogether and that's why candidature, nomination, and elections are all processes of democracy, I will fulfil it
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: But the relationship is like of between a mother & son
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Yes
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: You have served Kashi just like a son, and that is why so much development has happened in Kashi.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: It's the duty of a public representative, but I never felt like I was from Gujarat. The people of Kashi showered me with so much love that I can't even imagine.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: When are you filing nomination papers?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Most probably by 13-14 May. I still have a lot of events to attend, so we'll adjust the time accordingly.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Will you be able to take out time as per the current schedule?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I want to share a very interesting incident because you asked a very amusing question. During the swearing-in ceremony in 2014, I went to Rashtrapati Bhawan to meet the then-President Pranab Mukherjee. Since it was a ceremony conducted by the President, I asked him if it would be convenient to conduct the ceremony outside Rashtrapati Bhawan. Many people suggested that it would be auspicious if we conducted the ceremony during the daytime. I said let's do it in the evening. And it was decided that the ceremony would happen in the evening. At that time, you must have seen many articles and interviews claiming that the timing was inauspicious and that Narendra Modi was making a wrong decision because it was not as per the scriptures. I had the time to meet people at that time and they started putting pressure on me. I said that the Rashtrapati Bhavan cited sunlight as the problem and that my job was to adjust. My job was not to delay the ceremony. And that's the decision that was made.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Any time is the right time as per you
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Yes, right now, is the right time
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Right now, is the right time
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: Prime Minister, if you ask about the election, two phases have already been voted, i.e. you have faced two of the exam papers out of seven. Do you still believe that you can achieve the target of 400-plus seats?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I would have been able to tell in detail had you taken my interview a month ago. Just count the number of sitting MPs we have. When we won in 2019, we had nearly 359 MPs. Political parties from Andhra and Odisha were always with us. It comes to around 35 MPs. Then MPs from Northeast are with us. So, in a functional way, the NDA+ was already nearly 400. So, our strength in the Parliament was already 400. I don't know why people are surprised when we say 400-plus seats. The reality is that we have been running the Parliament with the support of about 400 MPs since 2014
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: You are telling the right number, but there was talk of an alliance with the BJD, which progressed but didn't happen. So, while there is no alliance with BJD, the support remains.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: We had fought against them face-to-face as NDA in the past. Even in 2019, we fought tooth and nail
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: But only on national issues. Prime Minister, when it comes to politics, the BJP alleges that the Congress manifesto is very divisive. On the other hand, Congress criticises that the BJP is trying to mislead people because neither wealth redistribution nor inheritance tax feature in its manifesto.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: We brought the Citizenship Amendment law. It's clearly written and stated. There was no mistake in speaking or writing, no mistake in the country's laws. It's directly there to provide citizenship. Nowhere is it stated that citizenship will be revoked, but for the past two years, the Congress Party has been spreading lies. Have you ever fact-checked them? Have you ever questioned them on your show Paatshala? They spread so many lies. Just witness any statement of Congress. For example, they have brought up the issue of inheritance tax issue. Somebody please tell me whether such law is practised in any developing nation? In their manifesto and speeches, one has to compare them. They (Congress leaders) are repeatedly saying it and it's mentioned in their manifesto. Twice, Manmohan Singh had said publicly that Muslims have the first right to the country's resources. And when they talk about conducting a survey, they say that we will take everything and distribute it. So, who are they going to give? They will give to them mentioned by Manmohan Singh. It's clear as daylight, and when you connect the dots, then one wouldn't question me. I am citing their language, words and written assurance. All the efforts they've made since 1990, the decisions they made after the Sachar Committee report, if put all together, then I think their intention is right, and there is no hidden agenda, but they keep it hidden in their words. This time I have exposed them to the hilt. That is why they are rattled. When they go seeking votes of one community, they speak differently, and when they approach the other community, they take a neutral stand. This is their duplicity. We always talked about Ram Mandir. If our election manifesto was 10 pages, the last line was about the Ram temple, the abrogation of Article 370, and the common civil code. The terminology was the same over the years. But the next day the headlines and debate would be about Ram Mandir. We were accused of never revealing the date of mandir construction. The media demolished our manifesto. The media never talked about the schemes to uplift the poor. The media only talked about 3 issues highlighted in our manifesto. Today, the media must not defend the Congress. The media should analyse their last 5 manifestos, intentions, language and words. One should celebrate the spirit of the Constitution. It's not like the Constitution is only for lawyers and judges. The constitution should be connected to the common people of the country. They never cared about the Constitution. When I brought a proposal in Parliament to celebrate Constitution Day, Mallikarjun Kharge opposed it in Parliament. In his speech, Kharge said that January 26 is already celebrated as Constitution Day, so why do we need another day to celebrate Constitution Day? I said that we should create an atmosphere where the future generation will feel devoted to the sacred Constitution. It should be debated in schools and colleges. We should increase its significance. When 60 years of the Constitution were completed, I said that the event be properly celebrated. It should've been celebrated when it completed 50 years. On the 60th anniversary, we celebrated the Constitution. The Constitution book was carried on an elephant, and I walked on the streets as CM. We carried out a big procession in Surendranagar. People started feeling devoted to the Constitution. They continuously lie in the name of the Constitution. Can anyone tell me if it is written anywhere in our manifesto? Did it come out in our speech? Did any worker say anything about any resource, by picking it up, that is also not ready to accept our party, our version completely? They continuously lie in the name of the Constitution. Can anyone tell me if it is written anywhere in our manifesto? Did we mention it in our speech? Some worker said something, and they blew it out of proportion. They are refusing to hear our version. Now, Congress asks where wealth distribution and inheritance tax are mentioned in its manifesto. Congress shouldn't have double standards. Congress will have to answer.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: You are right, Prime Minister. An entire ecosystem gets behind to drive a narrative. The question is not asked of them, and even if asked, we don't get the answers to the questions as to where it's written in the BJP manifesto that the Constitution will be abolished and that there won't be another election. We are talking about one election, one poll, but they are saying that once Modi returns to power, there will be no elections. You mentioned CAA, they said that the land of the farmers would be snatched under the farm laws, but it was never written anywhere.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: It was never written anywhere
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: But the atmosphere was vitiated repeatedly, spreading confusion. This time, you have pledged that you won't allow reservations based on religion until you are alive. We have shown in Paathshala that you have said it several times in the past as well. You had said that when you were the CM of Gujarat. What are the danger signs you see when it comes to allowing reservations based on religion to Muslims?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Modi is not the issue. When the Constitution was written at that time, leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Rajendra Babu were all there; there was no one from the RSS or BJP and there were also representatives from all communities. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that reservation based on religion would be detrimental to society and would not be good for the long term. Social evils were faced by communities of tribals and Dalits for years. Untouchability and discrimination took place. Injustice was done to a very large section of society on the basis of birth. It was necessary to undo the wrongs, and it is important to note that this was done by Sanatanis, apart from Nehru ji, who may think of himself above them, but most of them, including Rajendra Babu, used to apply tikka. It was them who decided that we need to atone the sins and give reservations to those who deserve. I am also connected to the same sentiments. I want to live in the spirit of the Constitution. I want to raise the prestige of the Constitution. I have been saying from day 1 that reservations based on religion go against the Constitution, but it doesn't mean that Muslims won't get the benefit. We raised in Parliament a 10% reservation for the poor in the general category; there was no objection, nobody fought, and no loot happened. The reservation will apply to the children of Brahmin and Baniya if they are poor. Even Muslims who are poor would benefit. Point is we are not snatching or taking away reservations, we are only saying that religion cannot be the base of providing reservations.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Basically, people from economically weaker sections
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I have never said that Muslims won't get reservations. All I'm saying is that religion cannot be the base of providing reservation. Poor in the country include all Hindus, Christians, and Parsis; all should get the benefits of reservations. Dalits and Tribals for long have faced injustice for thousands of years, and there is a special reason that the makers of our constitution have taken the right decision, and we are grateful for that. No political party opposes this
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: So, you are not who indulges in Hindu versus Muslim, but against those who indulge in pitting Muslim against Muslim?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I am against the game of vote bank that is played on the basis of religion. For example, Congress, in its manifesto, has indicated that it will award contracts as per this (religion) eligibility. How can the country run like this? Contracts are awarded keeping in mind the capacity, resources, experience, track record, and willingness to execute govt projects. The contract is awarded if the listed areas are fulfilled. But now they want a reservation in that as well and that too for minorities.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: People say that you are anti-Muslim, trying to scare the Muslims in India, pitting Hindus against Muslims during polls
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Even during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, our manifesto included the Ram Mandir and the abrogation of Article 370, UCC. Now, it's Modi's sarkar. The pending work will be featured, and those completed will not be featured in the manifesto. I am committed to completing all government schemes. If 50 people need a house in a village, then all 50 must get it, not just 49. Every community and religion will be covered. It is a guarantee of social justice, a guarantee of secularism. I work in a way to ensure everybody receives everything. I say it publicly that we have constructed 4 crore houses. Some families have expanded and needed one more house and state governments sometimes ask me if something can be done to which I then decided that 3 crores more houses will be built. We might not need 3 crore houses. So, nowadays, I say this publicly, and I say in Sabhas that you go cast your vote and also do one work of mine, i.e. write to me if somebody didn't get a house or tap water connection or gas connection. Assure them that this is Modi's guarantee, and in my third term, they will definitely get it. I want to work, I don't discriminate on the basis of religion
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief : So when they brand you anti muslim, how do you feel?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :We are not against Islam. We are not against muslims. This is not our domain. When it is about their abuses, they have been spinning this narrative since Nehru era. They have always been abusing us as anti muslim. Secondly, they used to abuse us because by putting in very little work, they would yield dividends. So, they would vilify us as anti muslim and then would claim they are friends of muslims. They gained through this. That is why they created this atmosphere of fear. They were reaping benefits by fearmongering. But the muslim community is aware now. When I abolished triple talaq and ended that practice, muslim sisters feel that I am genuine about their concerns. When I give Ayushman cards, they say I am a genuine man. When I give covid vaccines, they say I am a genuine man. They realise I am not discriminating against anyone. Opposition's problem is this that their lies have been caught. That is why to mislead, they have to keep saying all kinds of lies.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat :Prime Minister, I want to add another question. There's no doubt in the fact that your schemes don't discriminate on the basis of Hindu-Muslim. Poor get benefits irrespective of the community they belong to. But from 2002 to 2024, when you and I go to purchase something, after 2 or 3 years, even we tend to look for something new. But for the last 22 years, how is it that muslims are buying this narrative that if Modi comes to power, muslims will be under threat?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister:I have completed 25 years as Head Of Government. In Gujarat, you must be aware, records are available from the 18th and 19th century that riots used to take place in Gujarat. Out of 10 years, 7 years would witness riots. After 2002, not a single riot took place in India. In Gujarat, muslims vote for BJP. I am saying this for the first time, I've never spoken on this issue. I want to say this to the muslim community. I am telling this to educated muslims. Please introspect. Think. The country is progressing, if your community is feeling deprived, what's the reason for it? Why didn't you get benefits of government schemes when Congress was in government? During Congress era, did you become victim to this phenomenon? Think about it and decide for yourself, if you keep thinking that you'll decide who will be in power and who will be dethroned, you will spoil the future of your children. Muslim community is evolving across the globe. I visit Gulf countries, they give me so much respect. I get respect and so does Bharat. But we are facing protests here. In Saudi Arabia, Yoga is a subject of official syllabus. When I talk about Yoga, here they call me anti muslim. In Gulf countries, wealthy and affluent people meet me and over dinner they ask me about dinner. They ask me if one has to take official training, what should one do? Some tell me that their wives go to India to learn yoga. They stay there for at least a month. Wives of affluent people in the Gulf are showing interest in Yoga. But in India, they've made it about Hindu-Muslim. Those who are doing this, I want to appeal before the muslim community, please think about the lives of your children. Please think about your future. I don't want any community to live like bonded labourers just because somebody is always fearmongering. Secondly, if you start mingling, if you feel BJP people are the ones spreading fear, please 50 people come and sit in BJP office. Will they ask you to leave? What's happening? Who will ask you to leave? Please go lay siege to the BJP office. Who's stopping you?
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat : Prime Minister, when we talk about fake narratives, where Muslims also often get trapped, sometimes it seems like why don't they see, that in Kashmir, the child of a Muslim, who earlier used to throw stones, today he's earning a living. But when I talk about fake narratives, many lies are spread about you. Me and Navika ji often talk about this, you are that person in politics, whose image has been projected in the most wrong manner. The person who meets you, who knows you, knows a different side of you, and outside - it's a different world all together. This fake narrative has spread so much, that you have forgiven and written off Rs 16 lakh crore or Rs 12 lakh crore loan of your friends. They accuse you of finishing the constitution and abusing our farmers. But this time, when Amit Shah's fake video was circulated, you people took it up quite aggressively, you said it was very wrong, your reaction was different from earlier instances when such lies were spread.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister:It's not like that, let me tell you, during the Madhya Pradesh elections, a deep fake video came out and it was in Amitabh Bachchan's voice. You will be surprised to know, Amitabh Bachchan couldn't sleep all night, he said he had to file an F.I.R at night itself. He said why did this happen to me, I have nothing to do with politics, he said greets politicians from a distance. He was very upset. In Madhya Pradesh, action was taken against culprits, it's not like such attempts weren't made in the past. And when I spoke on Diwali during a get together at the BJP Headquarters , I made a long speech on deep fakes that day, it's true I did it knowingly. That day, I conveyed before the media that this is a great crisis before the country. I was worried, and during the G20 summit, everyone expressed concern about this during our video conference. I said they're all talking about solutions. I gave them one solution. I said on such videos, a message should flash that this is AI generated content and one must see it as AI generated content.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief : Statutory warning?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: It is imperative the warning shows not in one corner but prominently. The way all of you put a FIRST ON watermark, a similar watermark should be put on these videos. Everyone across the world is worried about Deep Fakes. You can make any video of any person.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :But is it a coincidence, that the people who are getting caught, in some or the other way, have some links with the Congress?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :The question is that those who have lost trust, this is not about elections, they have no connect with people. They are having to lie about everything. Like you mentioned, they lied about CAA, just as they were lying during the farmers' agitation. The way they keep spreading lies about all our decisions. Why spread lies? Because they feel that work is happening anyway. So they can't stop the work, they can't do anything themselves. So then they resort to creating confusion. You can create confusion by spreading lies. So, they have started playing a game.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat :They lied about Agniveers.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :On any and every subject, which has to do with country's welfare, they don't want to do discussions on it, they have not studied anything about it. Somebody gives them a handout and then they think people will get agitated and it will garner votes. And their intention is to incite. And now they are completely dependent on fake things and fake slogans. This is their condition. Now this game of fakery that is going on, they are trying to win elections through fake videos. Such things can never happen in the country. And I believe, the ground situation is very different. Look at the kind of fakery they resort to when it comes to EVMs. People ask me - Modi Ji, why do you work so hard? Sometimes apply your mind. If I had EVMs in my control, then why would I need to work so hard? I would do tokenism and come to power. I am working hard all day, all night, I am going all out. Why? Why am I going to the people of the country? But they are constantly spreading these lies.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :They also say that you are a dictator, you are Putin Baba, you are a dictator, all kinds of things are said. And this ecosystem, this ecosystem is not only in India, there is an ecosystem in India and one that runs from abroad. This ecosystem says you are Hitler, you are a dictator, and if you come to power again, things will change and that there will be no elections. All sorts of things. How do you see these things when they say that agencies are also controlled by you? You've put all chief ministers in jail?
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat: You've put Kejriwal in jail, and Hemant Soren in jail.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: It's good that you brought up this subject, I have answers too. But I would urge you, as TIMES NOW has its own prestige and standing. Can this subject be analysed scientifically? Can it? Now, as Sushant you run a pathshala. In your pathshala, you bring up the subject of dictatorship. Suppose, there are 100 points that define dictatorship. Let's write Congress on one side and BJP on the other side. Who ticks boxes of dictatorship? What did his grandmother do, put a tick next to it, then put a tick next to what leaders of Modi's party did, put a tick mark next to what his great grandfather did. Their government would come and sit in newsrooms. Will they ever debate this? Put a tick mark. What was Nehru Ji's first amendment to the Constitution. Put a tick mark. During the Emergency, journalists would write poems about atrocities, sitting in jail. Put a tick mark. They didn't like a song. Majrooh Sultanpuri Ji was put in jail. Kishore Kumar- his songs were banned. Opposition leaders were in jail, how many people were in jail, how long were they jailed for, what were the reasons, why were governments destabilised? Now do an analysis of their work and our work. Navy ships were used to do picnic and celebrate birthdays. Tell me, what kind of democracy was prevalant? Peoples homes were demolished as per whims and fancies. They got forced sterilizations done. How was it done? They even tortured Gayatri Devi. They misused Article 356 more than 100 times. All these things, I mean, you look at the checklist, you take it out in your own way. One hundred points and put tick marks. I would want to be in your pathshala for 1 full week. I believe that out of these 100 points, not a single allegation that they level on, not even a germ will come out to be true. This city, it is because of this city that we are fully democratic. Democracy runs through our veins. Otherwise, the kind of abuses that are hurled, the kind of zulm they inflict on us, we are silently enduring it. It's not because we are helpless. In the world's largest democracy, we came to power with full majority, and have been in government for 10 years, a spotless government. I governed a state for 13-14 years as Chief Minister. A 23 year long public life, not a single stain, despite that, the abuse that one man is enduring, enduring without uttering a word. What could be a bigger proof of a thriving democracy?
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :We ask this question on The Newshour Debate show and on Sawal Public Ka. We tell them - you people come on television every day, you say what you have to, abuse, call us Modi Bhakt. I am boycotted and he too is.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat :We were in that list of 14
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief : We are boycotted journalists
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief: That list of 14 has a meaning. It is linked to 2014. So in 2024, 10 more names will be added.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat :But I am often surprised, Prime Minister. Those calling you a dictator, are also roaming freely, so I don't know what kind of a dictator are you. Those who are saying 'Marja Modi', are also roaming freely, so I don't know which type of dictatorship is this.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: You name it and they've not left anything, they didn't think before abusing my mother, they didn't stop from abusing my family. Such abusive language has been used. But they have created such an image of a dictator that they normalise all these abuses. And no matter what do, you're a dictator.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :Modi Ji, if someone says anything about mothers...Modi is the Prime Minister but he is also a human being, he is also a son.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :The question is not just about my mother. My mother gave birth to me, brought me up. I have not done enough justice with my mother, because the dreams that a mother has taking her child, I have not fulfilled any such dream of my mother. I was very young, I left home, so in a way, I have wronged my mother.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :She doesn't think you've wronged her.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat: I seek your apology as I ask this question, because I feel, your personal feelings rarely come out. But is this thing running in the back of your mind? Something that you may never tell people. That after 2002, this is the first election that you will win, there will be public support, everything will happen but your mother will not be there, you used to touch her feet after every election.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :It's like, I was never in politics that way. I was doing organizational work. Suddenly, I get a call from Atal Ji and he asked me to come over at night, he said there's some work. I went to Atal Ji's place and he said I have to go to Gujarat. I asked Why? When I am overseeing work from all over the country, why should I go to Gujarat? I told him I'm working for the party and sometimes I can go and see work in Gujarat. He said No, No and said enough of organization work, now you will have to handle the government. I never ran a government, I never saw a police station, how will I run a government? So, I refused him. Next morning Advani Ji called and said how could you refuse Atal Ji? I said I didn't know why I was called. Then he asked me to meet him, he wanted to talk. I went to Advani Ji's place, he told me this was being discussed since long and everyone is of the opinion, Keshu bhai was of the opinion that Narendra Bhai should be sent and I must go. Then I called Atal Ji again and told him I will go. I apologised to him and said I didn't convey my thoughts properly. I will do as party wants me to do. Then I went to Gujarat and the first thing I did was meet my mother. I told my mother, Ma I never thought my life will be this way and that I will return to Gujarat. She said - oh you're coming back to Gujarat. That's a good thing. This gave her happiness.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief That you will be close to her.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :She told me two things. Always look out for the poor and secondly never take bribe. I think this was also reported in the TIMES OF INDIA. So, that is how I reconnected with my mother, although I used to stay away a lot. Then when I went to file my nomination, I thought I must go touch my mother's feet and go for nomination. I went to my brother's house. My mother fed me jaggery. Since then, all the nominations I filed, I went only after touching my mother's feet. She used to feed me jaggery. This is the first election of my life when I will go to file nomination without touching my mother's feet. But a feeling also comes to mind that today, in a country of 140 crore Indians, millions of mothers (Prime Minister chokes with emotion) The way they have loved me, blessed me (Prime Minister gets emotional). By remembering them... and then there is Ma Ganga
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :Ganga Ma
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :Mother Ganga, Mother Ganga is there. There is a void. But then I see that there are millions of mothers, maybe, emotionally they always give me strength and always have given me strength
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :Today, the people who are watching this interview, have never seen you get so emotional. That's why maybe some call you a dictator. The emotion that I am seeing for your mother. I'm also a mother. I understand what this emotion is. Maybe people will see this emotion of yours for the first time
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :No, they make fun of this. You call it weakness or call it what you want, I get emotional if it's about the poor. It is my weakness. In public life, you shouldn't get so emotional. But now I can't live an artificial life.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat :Prime Minister, you were talking about mothers that millions of mothers are with you, let me tell you that millions of fathers are also with you. I can tell you about the experience of a father. I heard someone say in front of me, they told their children living abroad - come back, your vote is here. And if you want to repay your father, then come and vote for Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :I want to tell you, when I talk about Ma, in my mind I think about the entire world. One where, there are children, there are little daughters. I'm talking about the entity of a mother. So, when I say mother, I am not talking about my biological mother. For me, it is an all encompassing emotion.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :It's an emotion
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :Whenever you do a poll rally, you say that India will become third largest economy in my third term, you speak about development and growth, but do you think that there is an ecosystem which wants to stop the growth, not just in India but outside as well? Is there any link between the two?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :I think this opposition will be only till June 4, after that these people will neither have the power nor exist. Only the power of my nation and our radiant democracy will exist. World will watch India's democracy with a new point of view. I can see that there is an attempt that the world is trying to influence our elections. They are not just giving their opinions but trying to influence our elections but they will not be successful. People of India will not get influenced. After Emergency, people of India, including the poor, have showed the beauty of India's democracy. Such people will not be successful. The lamp flickers before it extinguishes. This is the flickering, as they know they will soon be left in the dark.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor, Times Now Navbharat: When I visited White House last time, I witnessed that there were 'Modi Modi' chants... this sense of pride inside Indians has come after you have become the Prime Minister of India. Similarly, you have also brought a sense of pride among Hindus as well. Few people used to think that talking about Hindutva will be considered communal and it is not cool to visit Temples… but you have brought a change. Did you plan to bring such a change?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :My life is dedicated to this. Regardless of the skin colour, I want those who love India should be proud of India. I don't want them to blindly be proud of India but they should understand the feeling. It will be a sin to limit this feeling till Hindus, I will be committing a sin if I say this. I am happy if anybody born in any part of the country comes out and says that he or she is proud. Mahatama Gandhi existed for 50-100 years and nobody knew. I decided that Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan should be done by top artists from at least 150 nations, and we did it. The artists sang the favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi and then it became world famous. I want to unite the world like this. For me it doesn't matter who was born to whom and where. I want the world to praise my Bharat. This is my goal and commitment, and I live for it.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor In Chief :Just like Yoga Divas
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister :International Yoga Divas, International Solar alliance, I said One Earth, One Family, One Future then I said One Sun, One World, One Grid... When our Chandrayaan landed, I named the point ‘Shiv Shakti’. Now if some people have issue with the Hindu name, then it is their obligation. What can be above Shiv Shakti? I have no doubt or embarrassment, I am proud of it. I live with pride. I want the world to laud India and our culture. I have taken birth with this mission only. We brought back more than 300 stolen artefacts; this could have been done before but we did it. Some child of one of your journalist colleagues is studying abroad, they said that in the university they say that PM Modi has made India ‘cool’. They are walking inside the university with pride.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: Made it cool and strong both.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: There is one question that troubles me. It pains me to see the incident of Prajwal Revanna. His father has been a Member of Parliament. A woman was found from their farm house. There are allegations of 2,976 objectionable videos and the person is able to flee from the nation. What will we do about this issue? Are we helpless or will we bring him back? How will justice be delivered to these women?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: It is a law-and-order issue. If such an incident took place in Bengal, then the Bengal government would be responsible. If it happened in Gujarat, then the Gujarat government is responsible. If it happened, then Andhra then Andhra government would be responsible. If it happened it Karnataka, then Karnataka government is responsible to take action. As far as Modi is concerned, as far BJP is concerned, as far as our constitution is concerned, I am of the clear view that there should be zero tolerance against such people. Stringent punishment should be given using all the legal options available. However, these thousands of videos would not be of single day which implies that it is of the time when JD(S) was in alliance with Congress. These videos were gathered when they were in power. They released it during election after a particular community exercised their franchise.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Vokkaligas
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Yes Vokkaligas, the videos were released after he was sent out of the country. You allowed him to go from the state. This is very suspicious. If you had the information then you should have kept a watch, there should have been vigil at the airport. You did not do anything; government of India was not informed. This means that it was political game and they know that these videos were from the time they were in alliance and they accumulated these videos. However, this is not my issue, my issue is that any culprit should not be scared. These games should be stopped in our nation.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Will you get him back
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: We should bring him back and strict action should be taken against him. There should be no ifs and buts in it.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: PM Modi, opposition has raked two important issues of unemployment and inflation in this election. Opposition claims that inflation is on a massive rise while you raised questions on the credibility of unemployment data. Are unemployment and inflation challenges for your government and your reaction on the questions being raised?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Firstly, there are many opportunities available today. We have converted challenges into opportunities. Things should be looked at from point of view of reality. Statistics should be based on data available from accurate sources. We can consider PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) data credible. Unemployment rate is lowest in the last 6 years. The same is the case with rural unemployment. Rural economy has flourished, rural unemployment has reduced. Activities have increased in the rural sector; rural areas are becoming the center of economy. Between 2017-2023 the Labour Force Participation Rate is at the highest. In 2017 the Labour Force Participation Rate was 49.8% and in 2023 the Labour Force Participation Rate was 58%. Unemployment rate has reduced from 6% to 3% now. Nari Shakti participation is continuously increasing. In the last 10 years, 10 crore women have become active in Women's self-help groups. They work for economic activities. There are 1 crore Lakhpati Didis, my target is now 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. Over 6 crore people registered for EPFO, it is not just name-sake. Money is deposited for the same. Both government and private jobs have also increased. Under Mudra Yojana we have given loans to lakhs of people without guarantee. Each person has given employment to at least 1 or 2 people. They cleared space for new sectors. There were 200-300 start-ups earlier, now there are about 1.25 lakh start-ups. They are operating in tier 2 and tier 3 start-ups. The scope of drones has increased. Today drones have become very useful. From manufacturing to all other sector drones are being used. Marriage photographers keep a separate drone operator. My Drone Didi program has become very popular in the nation. Mapping, Agriculture, Defence, Transportation or Medicine it is useful in all the sectors. Boost to 5G provided employment to a lot of people. AI and IoT (Internet of things) has provided great opportunity. We are giving boost to every sector. We are now even working on 6G. However, if somebody has to lie then there is no remedy for the same. The opportunities that we created; they were not available before. The possibilities of opportunities that we are looking at were unimaginable before.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Some videos surface from Pakistan claiming that Modi should become PM in Pakistan also so that there could be electricity available. However, there some who are being lauded by Pakistan's former minister.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: During Indira Gandhi's government inflation was on the peak. This issue can be taken in Pathshala also. How much inflation is there is Modi's government. Before 2014 what was the level of inflation? Now there is a time of war, you will be astonished, I am pained to say but there is speech of Jawaharlal Nehru from the Red Fort. You can find both the audio and video.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: We have run the video
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Yes, we have run the video
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: In that speech he said the reason for inflation was war in North Korea. There was not much globalisation at that time but still was affected Nehru Ji. Today the war in Ukraine is directly affecting the world. Food, fertilizer and fuel are directly affected by this war. These three are the key components that affect inflation.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: UK changed three PMs as they were unable to control inflation. People have to skip one meal because of inflation.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I want you to discuss the issue in your program Newshour and call top experts, not those who are involved in constant bickering. The nation will come to know how opposition floats lie. Please dedicate one Newshour program to this.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: We will think about it in depth, Prime Minister Modi I wanted to ask you that you said the agenda of ecosystem will come to an end after June 4. I have heard that even the first 100 days program is also ready. You mentioned in your rallies that some big decisions will be taken, People are waiting with bated breath about those decisions, can you give us a small trailer.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I would like to mention that advance planning is in my nature. It is God gifted; my software has been designed like this. I think in advance and have experience of working in Gujarat. I had a plan in 2014 and even in 2019. The work we have done, if you look at my track record you will come to know. We made a law on Triple Talaq, Abrogation of Article 370 was done by us. To solve and deal with big problems is in my nature. I have a roadmap for the third term also. I want to take some big and important decisions. I do not take divisive decisions. My 100 days plan is ready and after June 4 I will not even waste as single day. I do not want my nation to suffer even a little. I do not want to nation to suffer due to delay in decision making. You must be seeing my trailers for the past 10 years.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: What is the real story, will UCC be implemented in the entire nation
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: The issue of UCC is not Modi's program nor BJP’s. The makers of the Indian constitution have mentioned it in the constitution. These people did not implement it due to vote bank politics. UCC is part of our manifesto. The Supreme Court has mentioned at least two dozen times that UCC must be implemented. UCC is already there in Goa, which has maximum number of minority. Uttarakhand has taken very good steps in this direction. We do not impose things on people, we are evolving.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: One Nation, One Election?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: On One Nation, One Election, a report has recently come. I have asked for the report to be studied.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: Mr Prime Minister. Is your preparation only for 2024 or is it also for 2029?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: See, I'll tell you, I don't prepare for elections. Neither do I think about elections, nor do I plan my work with election timetable in mind. I think about where this Nation will be when it turns 100 years old, when we have reached a century of freedom. And this doesn't happen overnight. I said in the Budget, now you may call it a trailer, that we will institute a commission on demography. What's this about? See, around the world many Nations are worried over ageing of a large portion of their population. I don't want that in 2047 there is no planning for our elderly. We are young now, but someday we'll grow old. It's the government's job to think about it today. I think about it - when the youth of today grow old around 2047, that they aren't helpless. We need to plan for this. I want to work at this level, with that thought process. I mentioned it in the Budget, the media may not have picked it up.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: I asked because many people see 2024 as a done deal, but that PM Modi ji will exit in 2029 and then they'll come in. Do they have a chance in 2029?
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: In politics, people come & people go. No country should run on the basis of one person. Modi would never want that the Nation runs squarely on the basis of Modi. My Nation is full of jewels. Innumerable jewels have been born here and will continue to be born and the Nation will move forward. But nobody can script their future only by chanting in hope. People should work hard, win people's faith, be with people, and maybe reduce one's vacation time a little bit.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: That's very well said. People have bucket-lists, even in politics. Is there something you have, that is accomplished that is close to your heart, that makes you feel a sense of achievement.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: My style of work is integrated and comprehensive. It's not piecemeal. When I bring things, it's like progressive fulfilment. Like when I said let's open bank accounts for everyone - I remember when I came in 2014 and started Jan Dhan, our dear Arun Jaitley was worried because I started monitoring every other day how much banks had completed, whether the banks were going the last mile everyday, into the streets and gullies. Arun ji was alarmed. I said, 'No, I want this work completed in 100 days.' But the world was only seeing this as opening of Jan Dhan Accounts. The Banks were arguing with me, 'at least let us recover stationery expenses'. I said they won't get anything, open accounts with zero balance. They were stunned. But the same Jan Dhan Accounts became such a key strength during the Covid pandemic. I connected the same Jan Dhan accounts with Aadhaar, with Mobile, with DBT. 36 lakh crores were sent by Direct Benefit Transfer. Then I linked it with MNREGA. Meaning, connected to everything in the world it becomes financial inclusion. Where their car breaks down, Modi's car gets into gear.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: The world has seen our digital prowess.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I'll tell you how it is. I was Chief Minister of Gujarat, and I had my first meeting with Secretaries. That time our Education Secretary told me we were 20th in India in girl child education. I was stunned, that a state like Gujarat is 20th in girl child education! That stuck in my mind, from my first meeting. Every year in June, it reaches 44-degrees in Gujarat, I'd stay for 3 days in the villages. I'd go to the villages with minimum girl child education, cover 5 villages, go from home to home. And I would ask as alms a vow that they would educate their daughters. I would work as a monk, seek vows of education, and as CM I would do this unfailingly. And I would take girls to school. For this work I employed 1.5 lakh new teachers, 2.5 lakh classrooms, high-school electrification, and computerisation in all schools. Then I began from the other end. I'd then spend 3 days post-Diwali on quality of education. Initially they thought I'm running around in the heat. But I took it to that extent. So that's my style of work - that if I start something, consider that I have thought far ahead. When I spoke of Yoga, people thought it's just about celebrating a day. It's not like that for me. In the world, apart from Women's day there's no other day than Yoga day. Women's day has caught on because women have taken ownership. UN is the platform of ownership. Yoga, the world has taken ownership by itself. So with Yoga I brought Ayurveda, with Ayurveda I brought India's tradition, and with that, during Covid I brought alternate medicine. I brought alternate medicine as a subject in BRICS and traditional medicine in G20. So I don't spare any effort.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: That's perhaps why your opponents are so afraid, that he's brought this now, what's he thinking of next?
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Opponents also think that how can you be so confident that on June 4 the result will be in your favour. They allege that definitely a chip has been put in the EVMs, Modi chip.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Whatever you say they will take out the same meaning. They are very scared. If there is anything on the wall, they feel that it is a ghost. I will have to introduce new Psychology courses for these people.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: I know you have a very busy schedule but you opened many chapters of this nation in Pathshala
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Thank you very much
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: You have also set the agenda for Newshour.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: I am hopeful that you would have enjoyed attending Pathshala after so many days.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Your Newshour and Pathshala programs have a different level. In Newshour people who indulge in bickering also come but Pathshala has been developed differently. However, you have to bring variety otherwise it will not work.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: You became emotional also and show the path forward.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Those emotions were personal.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: You gave us so much time and spoke frankly.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I do not have any problem with questions but I am seeing that journalists are under a lot of pressure. The ecosystem has built so much pressure that journalists have to ask questions under pressure and in their language. What happens is that the important questions about the nation are left. There is also a fear of being outdated. I am worried that it would be difficult for media of the nation to stay neutral. Either speak the opposition language and go home or be criticised. Earlier articles were published in the newspaper written by journalists it had credibility and value. In in the era of social media, everyone can express their views. There is no value.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: We are trying our best to keep the value system. In 30 years of journalistic career, I have seen every phase.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: I know there is pressure on you also and it is not your fault. Before coming here, you would have even thought that we should at least ask Modi two tough questions. This is because you are worried that nobody should criticise us later. Those people are not interested in the content of the interview. They are only interested if asked tough questions to PM Modi or not. If you were able to embarrass Modi, then the interview was good otherwise it was a friendly match.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: There is saying in Geeta, keep working do not worry about the results.
Sushant Sinha, Consulting Editor: Thank you so much Prime Minister Modi.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Thank you so much for your time.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister: Thank you I will meet you after June 4.
Navika Kumar, Group Editor-In-Chief: Absolutely, will be waiting. Even after the 2007 polls you gave me an interview.
Source: Times Now
