Sub-100 tally for Cong will pose serious threat to Gandhis’ leadership: Modi
RAJEEV DESHPANDE & DIWAKAR,TNN | May 6, 2014, 01.50 AM IST
NEW DELHI: The Gandhis could face a serious challenge to their leadership of the Congress as it's likely to get less than 100 Lok Sabha seats, BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi told TOI in an exclusive interview, his most exhaustive to date.
"The fight is now for the relevance of the Gandhi family as unquestioned leaders of Congress party. Their target is to somehow cross the hundred seat mark so that their leadership is not challenged. I see all possibility of Congress falling below hundred seats, and if that happens, there will be a serious churning within the Congress party over the issue of leadership," Modi said.
On the possibility of Priyanka replacing Rahul, he said, "It is for the Congress to take these decisions post the election results. However, it seems odd that a national party like the Congress should not be able to think beyond the Gandhi family."
Responding to a question about minorities being wary of him, Modi said Congress and some other parties had tried to resort to "fear-mongering", but expressed confidence that this would not work. "Today, it is anachronistic to think that a community will not be interested in the theme of development and good governance. It is the politics of vote banks which has done maximum damage to our country in the last 60 years. Now, this type of politics has attained its expiry date," he said in an email interview.
Modi had tough words for law minister Kapil Sibal over 'Snoopgate', saying Sibal used his legal acumen to serve personal and party interests rather than national interest and had been trying for long to ensnare him.
"If Sibal were to have his way, not only would he have found a judge, but he would have obtained the kind of report that he wants so badly," said Modi. Referring to the law minister describing him as a "potential suspect" in the Tulsidas Pajapati case, he said only Sibal could coin a term like "potential accused" which gave away "his very old desire to somehow implicate me in some or the other false case".
Responding to questions about CBI's investigations against him, Modi said insulating CBI from political diktat ranks high on his agenda. "It will be our endeavour to ensure CBI is no longer an institution that can be manipulated to achieve political ends," he said. On the possibility of immunity for Robert Vadra, he said, "It would be absurd to even debate that anyone can be granted immunity from law, even if that person is me."
Modi explained his focus on the economy, saying India must prepare for a "jobs war" and stressed the need for a clearer view of the growth versus environment debate so that projects are not delayed due to manipulation of green norms.
"The problem arises when the procedure for environment clearances is used in a mala fide manner for rent-seeking. I am convinced that we can move towards a win-win situation wherein all environment concerns will be adequately addressed, but not at the cost of project delays," he said. He added that he would bring the focus back to infrastructure and manufacturing, seek to control inflation through supply side measures, and help revive investor sentiment.
Touching on foreign relations, Modi said ties with Pakistan could improve only if it took effective and demonstrable action against terror networks that operate from its soil. However, he added, "We should not be constrained by what has happened in the past if the present throws up a new possibility in terms of solutions."
He was more optimistic on ties with China, saying it was possible to solve bilateral problems and take the relationship to another level.
He denied that the US decision to not give him a visa would affect bilateral ties, saying the two countries were natural partners and matters concerning one individual should not be allowed to influence relations.
On the challenge of Maoism and terrorism, Modi called for a "zero tolerance" approach. He said the state should step up its capabilities against what he called the "biggest" internal security threat and keep all options open, "regardless of what are the reasons for people to resort to violence". He elaborated, "We can chose to deal with issues the way we want to, but our response should not be constrained by unavailability of options."
Asked about the composition of his ministry if voted to office, he answered, "It is a relevant question, but premature." He was non-committal when asked whether he would retain the Varanasi or Vadodara seat if he won both. "The party will decide," was his short reply.
On speculation that he would work more through bureaucrats than ministers, which is perceived as his style of functioning in Gujarat, he said, "The buck stops with the political executive. The BJP and its NDA partners have got the most experienced and talented people to run the government. We have to work as a team."
Addressing fears that an NDA government would scrap social programmes like NREGA, he said, "We are committed to the effective implementation of NREGA. However, there is a need to analyze the costs and benefits in a professional manner. We cannot let so much public money be spent without creating any durable assets."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Sub-100-tally-for-Cong-will-pose-serious-threat-to-Gandhis-leadership-Modi/articleshow/34701490.cms
"The fight is now for the relevance of the Gandhi family as unquestioned leaders of Congress party. Their target is to somehow cross the hundred seat mark so that their leadership is not challenged. I see all possibility of Congress falling below hundred seats, and if that happens, there will be a serious churning within the Congress party over the issue of leadership," Modi said.
On the possibility of Priyanka replacing Rahul, he said, "It is for the Congress to take these decisions post the election results. However, it seems odd that a national party like the Congress should not be able to think beyond the Gandhi family."
Responding to a question about minorities being wary of him, Modi said Congress and some other parties had tried to resort to "fear-mongering", but expressed confidence that this would not work. "Today, it is anachronistic to think that a community will not be interested in the theme of development and good governance. It is the politics of vote banks which has done maximum damage to our country in the last 60 years. Now, this type of politics has attained its expiry date," he said in an email interview.
Modi had tough words for law minister Kapil Sibal over 'Snoopgate', saying Sibal used his legal acumen to serve personal and party interests rather than national interest and had been trying for long to ensnare him.
"If Sibal were to have his way, not only would he have found a judge, but he would have obtained the kind of report that he wants so badly," said Modi. Referring to the law minister describing him as a "potential suspect" in the Tulsidas Pajapati case, he said only Sibal could coin a term like "potential accused" which gave away "his very old desire to somehow implicate me in some or the other false case".
Responding to questions about CBI's investigations against him, Modi said insulating CBI from political diktat ranks high on his agenda. "It will be our endeavour to ensure CBI is no longer an institution that can be manipulated to achieve political ends," he said. On the possibility of immunity for Robert Vadra, he said, "It would be absurd to even debate that anyone can be granted immunity from law, even if that person is me."
Modi explained his focus on the economy, saying India must prepare for a "jobs war" and stressed the need for a clearer view of the growth versus environment debate so that projects are not delayed due to manipulation of green norms.
"The problem arises when the procedure for environment clearances is used in a mala fide manner for rent-seeking. I am convinced that we can move towards a win-win situation wherein all environment concerns will be adequately addressed, but not at the cost of project delays," he said. He added that he would bring the focus back to infrastructure and manufacturing, seek to control inflation through supply side measures, and help revive investor sentiment.
Touching on foreign relations, Modi said ties with Pakistan could improve only if it took effective and demonstrable action against terror networks that operate from its soil. However, he added, "We should not be constrained by what has happened in the past if the present throws up a new possibility in terms of solutions."
He was more optimistic on ties with China, saying it was possible to solve bilateral problems and take the relationship to another level.
He denied that the US decision to not give him a visa would affect bilateral ties, saying the two countries were natural partners and matters concerning one individual should not be allowed to influence relations.
On the challenge of Maoism and terrorism, Modi called for a "zero tolerance" approach. He said the state should step up its capabilities against what he called the "biggest" internal security threat and keep all options open, "regardless of what are the reasons for people to resort to violence". He elaborated, "We can chose to deal with issues the way we want to, but our response should not be constrained by unavailability of options."
Asked about the composition of his ministry if voted to office, he answered, "It is a relevant question, but premature." He was non-committal when asked whether he would retain the Varanasi or Vadodara seat if he won both. "The party will decide," was his short reply.
On speculation that he would work more through bureaucrats than ministers, which is perceived as his style of functioning in Gujarat, he said, "The buck stops with the political executive. The BJP and its NDA partners have got the most experienced and talented people to run the government. We have to work as a team."
Addressing fears that an NDA government would scrap social programmes like NREGA, he said, "We are committed to the effective implementation of NREGA. However, there is a need to analyze the costs and benefits in a professional manner. We cannot let so much public money be spent without creating any durable assets."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Sub-100-tally-for-Cong-will-pose-serious-threat-to-Gandhis-leadership-Modi/articleshow/34701490.cms
EXCLUSIVE: Congress won't reach the hundred mark, says Narendra Modi
IndiaToday.in New Delhi, May 3, 2014 | UPDATED 20:35 IST
BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has been campaigning tirelessly for several months. He started much before the General Elections 2014 were notified. In an exclusive interview with AajTak, Modi answered a host of questions surrounding various controversies, the BJP's agenda and his roadmap to development if he becomes the prime minister.
Excerpts from the interview
AajTak: You are running a packed schedule. You have covered more than 300,000 km addressing over 400 rallies in a year.
Narendra Modi: Not in a year, but in four-five months. I'm a mazdoor. I have worked hard since my childhood and worked as a labourer. I put my mind and heart into it. When the party gives me a responsibility, I must do it with complete dedication. God has given me the ability, which I utilise to its optimum. Watch video
I am thankful to God that there has been no disruption so far and no programme has been cancelled. Only one, due to the problem of aviation folks, my helicopter was not allow to fly for over two hours. Outside of that, I have made it to rally venues on time. Even the Western media has reported that public meetings of political parties are usually delayed by 3-4 hours, but Modi's rallies are more or less on time.
AajTak: Don't you get tired? Where do you get the energy from?
Modi: The strength perhaps comes from people's blessings... when I see the country and its people suffering. Also there is something called commitment, which keeps a person going.
AajTak: Yoga or Pranayam?
Modi: That has been a part of my routine. I began going to RSS shakhas at an early age and I picked up this habit from there. It became a part of my lifestyle. These days, I hardly find time for yoga because of my packed schedule. I can say that out of 365 days, I manage to do yoga on at least 300 days.
AajTak: You took pride in saying there was no case filed against you. Now that an FIR has been registered, will you apologise to the Election Commission, or will you approach a court?
Modi: I don't think that stage has come. Law will take its own course. Our legal team will look into it. I do take pride in saying that in spite of being in public life for so long, there is not a single case against me, not even for wrongly parking a scooter or driving on the wrong side. I don't know how this happened, lawyers will find out.
AajTak: The Gujarat Police says that you were not in the prohibited 100-metre radius, but 150 metre away from the polling booth when you addressed the media.
Modi: I don't know. The Gujarat Police has been asked to do an inquiry. They will submit their report to the Election Commission. They won't reveal it to the media, nor will they tell anything to me.
AajTak: How far is 7, RCR for you after the seventh phase of polling?
Modi: I have been following this election very closely. Not only as a politician campaigning, but also as a student of political science. After the elections were announced, senior Congress leaders started fleeing the battlefield. Second, for the first time in Indian politics there was a pre-poll alliance of 25 parties. It was a positive beginning. On the other hand, Congress began it on a negative note as its leaders started withdrawing themselves. In the very beginning, they gave an indication that they lacked the courage to contest elections, leave alone winning. They were in no mood to fight. They know they will be unable to form the next government. Now their sole aim is to cross the figure of 100 and they are working hard at it. But it looks like they will not be able go beyond two digits.
The BJP entered the fray on the plank of good governance, development. People appreciate that somebody is talking about things that need to be done. They are reposing their faith in us. They want a government that can deliver and I believe they will vote for a good and stable government.
AajTak: Do you think you are the future prime minister of India?
Modi: Narendra Modi was nominated the prime ministerial candidate by the BJP and the people of the country seem to approve it. But I won't answer in the words you expect me to. I shall wait till May 16. I will speak to you once again.
AajTak: Do you have a roadmap for governance and development?
Modi: Of course, the BJP has a clear-cut roadmap. We also have a sound track record. I would want a debate on this. India has seen the Congress model of governance, regional parties' set-up of governance, dynasty politics, Leftist models and that of the BJP. Today, these models can be seen in action in one state or the other. In some state it is Communists, in others regional parties, Congress and BJP.
BJP-ruled states have focussed on development. Digvijaya Singhgot to govern Madhya Pradesh for a long time, but the state remained backward. When Shivraj Singh Chouhan came to power, the state moved towards development in a very little time. He brought the state out of the BIMARU category. Chhattisgarh became a new state and it was infested with Maoists, but now you also see the best financial discipline there.
If you see BJP's model, we have maintained development as our top focus. During the Vajpayee government at the Centre, there was a feeling that India is moving towards becoming a great nation. The BJP's policies are clear and intentions good. If you go through our manifesto, these points are very clear. There is clarity on how a government will function. I am thankful to the media that they analysed our manifesto in a very positive manner.
BJP-ruled states have focussed on development. Digvijaya Singhgot to govern Madhya Pradesh for a long time, but the state remained backward. When Shivraj Singh Chouhan came to power, the state moved towards development in a very little time. He brought the state out of the BIMARU category. Chhattisgarh became a new state and it was infested with Maoists, but now you also see the best financial discipline there.
If you see BJP's model, we have maintained development as our top focus. During the Vajpayee government at the Centre, there was a feeling that India is moving towards becoming a great nation. The BJP's policies are clear and intentions good. If you go through our manifesto, these points are very clear. There is clarity on how a government will function. I am thankful to the media that they analysed our manifesto in a very positive manner.
AajTak: What is your opinion on price rise? The new government might face a delayed monsoon. Has your party thought about this?
Modi: Surprising that you have such negativity? A lot of it is due to the last 10 years and it will take some time to get rid of it. Gujarat has seen drought for seven of the 10 years. But between 2001 and 2014 there has been no sign of drought in the state. God has always been kind to me. I pray to God that we get good monsoon this year.
AajTak: Rahul Gandhi says you only talk about removing corruption and don't give a solution. What's your take on corruption?
Modi: If we have to fight corruption, state has be driven by policy. The country should function on policies. A government makes its own policy, there could be plus or minus points to it, but the final decision should be taken in the light of that policy. Unfortunately, there is a lot of scope for discrimination and the final say lies with the ministry concerned, which takes its own sweet time. The policy is there in black and white. A person can read it on the internet and get to know whether he will get an entry so that he does not indulge in corrupt practices. Second, youth need employment. He may clear the written exam and then appear for the interview. The youth is not worried about the interview as much as he is worried that a third person getting recommended for the said job and grabbing it. He looks for a middleman to get through the interview giving bribes. Lakhs of rupees that had to be used for the benefit of the poor has been lost to corruption. In Gujarat, I had to give jobs to 13,000 teachers. There were thousands of job-seekers too. I told them the form is available online. Fill it online. Academic career, experience, everything. We gave marks for each category. The decision was made by the computer software to choose the 13,000. There was no human intervention, no corruption. Technology is important in minimising corruption.
Another example, people say till the time Jayanti Tax wasn't given, the file for the environment ministry clearance won't move forward. After the minister left, we heard that over 200 signed files were recovered from her cupboard. I don't know the truth. But I have heard it from you, the media, not from any politician. Why didn't the ministry clear the files? Because they wanted money. What we did in Gujarat was - all files are online, you can sit at home and track your files. If it's stuck, you would know where and why. Anybody can rise up and object. There is transparency because of technology.
There are two check-posts between Gujarat and Maharashtra. The truck that goes to Maharashtra via Gujarat, goes through the same check-posts, gives the same tax, but the income is Gujarat is Rs.700 crore more than that of Maharashtra. Why? Because we use technology. Everything is monitored, hence less corruption. If there is political will, this can be done.
AajTak: But the Congress also says that you were unable to remove tainted ministers like Babubhai Bokharia and Purushottam Solanki.
Modi: If you have to run the Congress propaganda then I have nothing to say. But if you really claim to be a neutral media house, then it becomes your responsibility to verify the Congress's claim. A court has stayed the conviction order in case of Babubhai Bokharia? And there is no case against Purushottam Solanki. The people who raise such questions, have their own minsters in jail. The Supreme Court had to intervene when it came to black money. It took the government three years to report to the Supreme Court. Only the day before yesterday, they have handed over a list of 18 names. Congress doesn't bother about the Supreme Court, they take corruption as granted. It has become a part of its character.
AajTak: On black money, the Supreme Court has ordered the government to set up an inquiry commission and report in 3 weeks. The new government will be in place. If you come to power, what will you do?
Modi: Lal Krishna Advani campaigned against black money, he travelled far and wide to demand the black money be brought back. It must be hard for him at this age. It is part of our manifesto and we are committed to it. Can people who don't bother about the Supreme Court point fingers at us? Watch video
AajTak: Then will you set up a commission?
Modi: Let the law take its own course, the government will do its work.
AajTak: You say the country's most corrupt man is Robert Vadra.
Modi: I have never said this line. Don't put words in my mouth. Corruption is a sin, we have to fight it. I don't personify corruption. Watch video
AajTak: Uma Bharti has said that Vadra will be jailed when NDA comes to power.
Modi: Leave what others have said. Is there any allegation of illegal activities against Modi? If there is any, it must be investigated. Modi is not above the law, not even if he becomes the prime minister.
AajTak: On Snoopgate, Sibal says they will set up a judicial before May 16.
Modi: It is nice that it is in your mind. Let them do what they want. I do not expect any better from them.
AajTak: Congress raised the issue of toffee model, where Adani got land at the rate toffees are sold.
Modi: May I suggest a revolutionary thing for you? You can do it because yours is a revolutionary channel. We have a detailed PowerPoint presentation on this. I request you to show it on AajTak. You will get all your answers. The Supreme Court has said that Gujarat's land acquisition model should be adopted by other states as well. These are baseless allegations. Only a week ago, the Gujarat High Court gave a 100 per cent judgment on the Tata Nano car project, in favour of the government policy. But it was not news for you. Nobody reported it. Watch video
AajTak: There has been a rise in personal attacks on you since Priyanka Gandhi has started campaigning.
Modi: You are downplaying it. For 12 years, Congress has continued making personal attacks on me. They have run out of words in their dictionary of abuses. They have reached a stage where they need new people to criticise me.
AajTak: Your have been hard on Sonia and Rahul but you seem to be soft towards Priyanka.
Modi: Only those who are in politics can be political rivals. It doesn't look nice that you start abusing family members of political rivals. They have been criticising my family. I won't do the same.
AajTak: Do you think the BJP campaign went off track because of it all getting personal?
Modi: I don't think so. You can pull out my speeches - good governance, development, youth, farmers - these are my focus areas. If people appreciate this, they will vote for me. Else, Congress which has ruled for 60 years will get another five years. Today in a rally I said that the Congress turned the image of India into that of a 'scam India'. I will work hard to change this image to 'skilled India' and we will not be behind China anymore.
AajTak: Priyanka says that you have been childish in your language, something not expected of a prime ministerial candidate.
Modi: I will not say anything.
AajTak: How do you see the latest controversy over the Doordarshan interview, that had some parts edited out.
Modi: You are a neutral media house. You have the unedited footage, show it and leave it to the people to decide. I don't need to answer.
AajTak: What is the party focussing on now that only two phases of elections are left?
Modi: You ask questions about controversies, not key issues because controversies help increase TRP. If I get stuck at any point, then you will say Modi is not interested in a particular topic.
AajTak: Do you have time to campaign in Varanasi? Do you think you have competition?
Modi: I give as much as times as needed. There should be competition in politics. I won't enjoy if there is no competition.
AajTak: What about polarisation in UP? Amit Shah and Azam Khan were accused of polarising communities.
Modi: Amit Shah has been cleared by the Election Commission. Watch video
AajTak: Do you think you instil fear in the minds of minorities?
Modi: The beauty of democracy is that even a single soul from its distant corner can have his say, make himself heard. In democracy, every one counts.
AajTak: BJP's Giriraj Singh said that those who don't vote for you should be sent to Pakistan.
Modi: That matter is in court.
AajTak: Now Lalu has said that you should go to Pakistan. Why is everyone invoking Pakistan now?
Modi: Ask this to Lalu. I will talk about my agenda. I am contesting this election. Why should I answer questions about them?
AajTak: Pakistan Army chief said that Kashmir is its jugular vein and if you come to power, it will destabilise the region. What will be your policy on Dawood?
Modi: BJP's policy has been very clear since the Vajpayee government. A country as vast as India shouldn't live in constant fear, neither should any country fear India. We should be able to see eye to eye and have cordial relations.
AajTak: Did yoy send an emissary to meet Geelani in Kashmir.
Modi: The issue has been sorted. I was nowhere in the scene. The concerned parties have said that they did not meet on my behalf.
AajTak: How about your relations with the US? Nancy Powell met you. You did not ask for a visa. Will you go to the US only on invitation?
Modi: A large chunk of American investment in India happens to be in Gujarat. The maximum foreign delegates attending the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit are American businessmen. Many Indians, including Gujaratis, live in the US and play a crucial role in the American economy. Our relations are not sour.
AajTak: You keep talking about a policy paralysis that affected FDI inflow for the last 10 years. What will you do?
Modi: My Gujarat experience says that I don't need to do much but just emphasise on skill development.
AajTak: What will be your 100-day roadmap?
Modi: People choose government for five years, 100 days are only for the media.
AajTak: Atal, Advani, M.M. Joshi are veteran leaders of the BJP...
Modi: They are the foundation of the BJP... A very strong and stable government will be formed.
AajTak: Will they be a part of the government?
Modi: After 16th May.
AajTak: You made a hat-trick in Gujarat. When did you make up your mind to focus on Delhi?
Modi: I do what my party asks me to.
AajTak: Do you have a dream team in mind?
Modi: BJP is a very able party. We have the insight, able leaders and this is the team which dreams and delivers.
AajTak: You stay alone. When there is a moment of joy or sorrow, who do you share it with?
Modi: My work keeps me busy.
AajTak: Advani was apparently unhappy when you were nominated as BJP's PM candidate.
Modi: That is also your problem. You can see all is well. Thank you