Country wants stable government, BJP will get more seats than 2014: PM Modi

With less than two weeks remaining for the seven-phase 2019 Lok Sabha polls to begin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday gave an exclusive interview to Republic Bharat where he spoke on a wide range of issues including BJP’s prospect in the polls, dynastic politics, Pulwama airstrike, Rafale etc.

During the interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition parties of promoting dynastic politics. On the issue, PM Modi said, “It is not my problem, but dynastic politics is a major threat to India’s democracy. A party, which works as a personal company, where no one else can become President, is wrong. It is the responsibility of media houses like you to bring out such dynastic political families.”

When asked about Mission Shakti and the timing of the announcement, PM Modi said that "India has made its mark in the superspace league with Mission Shakti and it was not a pre-planned move, we announced it when the test was successful and it has taken immense effort over many years."

On Balakot air strike, PM Modi said, "It is my behaviour/nature, where there is a risk to the jawans of India, I'm constantly involved it. There is no expectation from their end, but I could not sleep and I was aware of what was happening."

PM Modi also slammed the opposition parties for casting aspersion on the attack and calling it a match-fixing between PM Khan and himself, he said, "No one can question my patriotism for my country. Everyone was aware of how big the attack was, but you should question the Opposition regarding such personal attacks. If they are sure of what they are blaming us for, they can go ahead with this as their agenda for the polls."

Taking a swipe at opposition parties Mahagatbandhan, PM Modi said, “In Bengal, Kerala and Odisha, has there been any understanding between the Opposition parties then how is the gatbandhan working? If people of this country have decided to give us the majority, then who can keep us out even if they decide to ally up after the polls are done? The country has made its decision to ensure full majority and reinstate the NDA government, no one can question that."

When asked whether BJP’s “Main Bhi Chowkidaar” campaign is to counter Congress’ ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai”, PM Modi said that he has never spoken about his past till he was nominated as PM candidate in 2014 and the opposition parties started raising these issues. "Did you hear it when I was the CM of Gujarat? When I was declared the PM candidate, they dug out my background," he said. On Chowkidar slogan, PM Modi said,” It is a word I used for myself during the 2011-2012 poll campaign too. Mahatma Gandhi also during his time had qualities of being a Chowkidar, not literally but in the spirit to ensure safety and security of the country."

On fugitives, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, and Mehul Choksi fleeing, PM Modi said, "The Opposition is slamming us on the basis of these fugitives but it is because of our stern actions that they have had to flee. We have come down severely on their assets, and they have had to run because of our actions. During Opposition rule, you would not have even known the names of such fugitives, leave alone know what happened to them and what action was taken against them.”