The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a ‘public versus coalition’ contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.
The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a ‘public versus coalition’ contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.
In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar ‘set of persons’ who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014.
In an extensive interview with ANI, PM Modi spoke about a wide range of topics including his relationship with Lutyens’ Delhi, upcoming 2019 electoral battle, the Rafale deal, Shiv Sena’s tantrums, the Sabarimala verdict, the Triple Talaq bill, Grand Alliance, Congress, possible ordinance on Ram Temple, farm loans, surgical strikes and former RBI governor Urjit Patel’s tenure.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi.
He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years.
Major talking points:
Majority of farmers don’t benefit from misleading announcements: PM
Pak won’t mend its way easily: PM on surgical strikes
Fight between janta and gathbandhan: PM
‘I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider,’ the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi VS Rahul.
Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be ‘anybody but Modi’ contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, ‘It is going to be ‘janta (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings,’ he added.
Reposing faith in the ‘intelligence’ of the voters, Modi said, ‘The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections.’
1. First Family
)
It is a fact that those considered first family, who ran the country for four generations, are out on bail, that too for financial irregularities. It is a big thing. A set of people,who are at their service, are trying to suppress such information and push other narratives.
2. On cross border strikes
)
Ek ladai se Pakistan sudhar jayega, yeh sochna bohot badi ghalti hogi. Pakistan ko sudharne mein abhi aur samay lagega
3. On Demonetization
)
This wasn’t a jhatka. We had warned people a year before, that if you have such wealth (black money), you can deposit it, pay penalties and you will be helped out. However, they thought Modi too would behave like others so very few came forward voluntarily
4. Urjit Patel
)
He himself requested (to resign)on personal reasons. I am revealing for the first time, he was telling me about it for past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. No question of political pressure. He did a good job as RBI Governor
5. Janta vs Gathbandhan
)
It is going to be 'Janta' versus 'gathbandhan'. Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings.
6. On 2018
)
2018 was a successful year. Elections are just one facet of a number of facets. If poor are given insurance of up to Rs 5Lakh, Ayushman Bharat Yojna. In such big numbers people were suffering, today they have got treatment, how can I consider this a failure’
Major talking points:
Majority of farmers don’t benefit from misleading announcements: PM
Pak won’t mend its way easily: PM on surgical strikes
Fight between janta and gathbandhan: PM
7. Triple Talaq
)
Triple Talaq Ordinance was brought after Supreme Court verdict. We have said in our BJP manifesto that a solution would be found to this issue under the Constitution,
Most Islamic countries have banned Triple Talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, Triple Talaq is banned. So it is an issue of gender equality, matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith. So, keep the two separate.
8. On Assembly Polls
)
No reason for morale down. We are confident and are moving ahead. In 2019, if there is one party which the country trusts and is connected with the people, it is the BJP..
