From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

India is in the midst of 39-day-long Lok Sabha elections, the largest festival of democracy across the world. With less than two weeks to go for the May 23 verdict, News Nation brings you the much-anticipated interview of this season of polarised politics. Speaking exclusively to News Nation's Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened up on a wide range of issues concerning the nation today. The major issues include the ongoing General Elections, Rafale fighter jet deal, national security, Pulwama terror attack and the fateful night of Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Balakot airstrike. Last but not least, the prime minister also delighted his audience reciting a 6-stanza poem - 'Abhi to Suraj Ugaa Hai' - written by himself. At the end of his 78-minute-long marathon interview, Modi interacted with the team of News Nation while posing for photographs.

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

1

India is in the midst of 39-day-long Lok Sabha elections, the largest festival of democracy across the world. With less than two weeks to go for the May 23 verdict, News Nation brings you the much-anticipated interview of this season of polarised politics. Speaking exclusively to News Nation's Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened up on a wide range of issues concerning the nation today. The major issues include the ongoing General Elections, Rafale fighter jet deal, national security, Pulwama terror attack and the fateful night of Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Balakot airstrike. Last but not least, the prime minister also delighted his audience reciting a 6-stanza poem - 'Abhi to Suraj Ugaa Hai' - written by himself. At the end of his 78-minute-long marathon interview, Modi interacted with the team of News Nation while posing for photographs.

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

2

On the burning question of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Rs 30,000 crore Rafale allegations, PM Modi said people should ask the complainants to provide details in support of their allegations rather than questioning him on the issue again and again. Modi also vowed to personally go and honour a journalist who can ask them such a question.

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

3

Opening up about the minute details of the fateful night of Balakot airstrike, the prime minister for the very first time said, "It was raining heavily that night and at around 12 midnight, a thought about the strike crossed my mind". "Experts were thinking if we should carry out the airstrikes some other day due to bad weather. However, I suggested that these clouds can provide us much needed cover," he added.

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

4

Asked if constant bashing by his detractors also make him upset like all other common man, Modi responded, "Yes, I am human, but I am a prime minister too. For the sake of this country, I am trying to increase my power to deal with these insults. I can’t let the nation suffer due to such petty things.

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

5

When asked if the Opposition is suffering from Modiphobia in this season of Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister stated, "Well, it is their job to raise voice against the ruling party and they should intensify it. But there is an difference between criticism and allegations. They should attack me with full information and responsibility. Not just for the sake of media attention".

From secret behind Balakot success to his simplicity mantra - Modi exclusive interview on News Nation

6

Talking about his earlier lifestyle, Modi said he has never indulged in a luxurious lifestyle but was a movie buff during his childhood days. On being asked if he carries a wallet, Modi said he never felt the need to keep one as he did not have money to keep in it.