#ModionZEE: BJP will get re-elected with a bigger mandate this time, says Narendra Modi

On Thursday, PM Modi in a freewheeling ‘purely political’ interview with Zee News and WION editor-in-chief Sudhir Choudhary, spoke about host of issues in connection with the ongoing Lok Sabha election. When asked if he has started packing, PM Modi said that the feedback he’d received from across the country suggested that BJP and NDA’s tally would increase after the result.

Regarding the act of physically packing his belongings, PM said that even though he was prepared for all eventualities, his opponents’ dreams would be shattered on May 23. PM Modi said that BJP’s slogan ‘Aayega to Modi Hi’ wasn’t just a catchphrase but the reality. When asked if he’d want to be a one-time hit like Sholay or a multiple-sequel hit like Avengers, pointed out there was a difference between reel and real life. He added that politics should always be done on the basis of a strong foundation. When asked if there was wave in 2019, PM Modi pointed out that many experts believed that it didn’t exist in 2014 as well. When asked about the Opposition’s EVM allegations, PM said that the ground was being laid before the impending defeat and compared their complaints to those of players who protest in front of the umpire after getting out. 

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When asked if the same standards were expected from Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and other political leaders, he said that he hadn’t broken a single traffic rule in his life. He recalled that the first FIR was lodged against him in 2014 when he had gone to vote. PM Modi said that the EC had been extremely active in taking action over allegations and recalled how his roadshows in Varanasi were cancelled in 2014. He added that he never complained about these things.

PM Modi added that common people were aware about the ground realities and work of various politicians and the final tally would reflect that. On the Opposition’s attempt to come together to counter the Modi wave, PM said that the Opposition wasn’t actually united and hence the fissures were getting exposed in places like UP, where the Cong was acting as a ‘vote-cutter’ party. He also pointed out how an alliance wasn’t formed in Delhi. He said that there was a pro-incumbency wave in 2019 and the people of India were fighting this election. Regarding the estimated vote percentage, PM Modi avoided a direct answer but said both BJP and NDA would increase its tally. PM Modi refused to speculate about other options and said that he doesn’t have a plan B, C, D, E, F, G, H etc and that the saffron outfit will get a thumping majority.

When asked about his ‘problem’ with Mamata Banerjee, PM Modi said that the question ought to be asked to those who had worked with the West Bengal CM. PM said that while Didi could recognise the Pakistan PM, she couldn’t recognise the Indian PM, which in turn suggested she didn’t believe in the Constitution. PM Modi's jibe comes after Mamata Banerjee refused to take his call or even meet him after Cyclone Fani. Calling Narendra Modi 'Expiry PM', she said that she would talk to the new PM after elections are over. PM Modi said that Mamata Banerjee's TMC is also putting a roadblock in BJP's campaign by delaying permission for chopper landing and also preventing decorators from supplying materials for election rallies. PM Modi accused Mamata Banerjee of not cooperating with the Centre during natural calamities. PM said that Mamata Banerjee even didn't reply to Governor who wanted to know about steps taken for Cyclone Fani. PM said that Mamata Banerjee's attitude is inimical to India's interests.

When asked about the missed phone calls, PM Modi said he was forced to give details to the public after the TMC claimed PM hadn’t tried to reach out to Mamata. PM Modi said that he was a cautious starter when he took charge in 2014 as he was new to Delhi.

Regarding possible plans prepared for 100 days of the new government, PM said that he believes in continuity. PM Modi said that election time is like vacation time for babus and he is not a big believer in holidays, and hence have already outlined some of the work to be done later. PM Modi recalled how Rahul Gandhi had revealed that tarnishing his image was his strategy. PM said that his image is built over the years and is not propped up or whitewashed by others. PM also said that Congress shouldn't talk about reputation considering the way they treated former PM PV Narasimha Rao.

Regarding the 'Bhrashtachari no.1' jibe, PM Modi said that he didn't say any unparliamentary word and merely raised the issue. PM Modi said that just because someone has passed away, doesn't mean their legacy will not be questioned. PM Modi said answers have to be given about the Bhopal Gas leak case, about Bofors, about the 'big tree shaking' quote, regarding Shah Bano case and why Kamal Nath had been made CM. PM Modi said that since Congress asks for votes invoking legacy of former Prime Ministers, hence they have to answer for all the controversial issues surrounding it. PM Modi said that his family is not in public life hence both issues shouldn't be conflated.

Regarding all the names he has been called, PM Modi said that he is also a human and also gets affected but has learnt to live with it for the last 20 years. PM Modi said that after being repeatedly abused, he has listed out all the abuses hurled at him. PM Modi said that as someone who has come out of abject poverty he has been severely abused by rich people, 'naamdars' repeatedly. PM Modi said that he works for the country because he is a sensitive person. Hence, he gets hurt due to name calling but doesn't let it affect his work.

PM Modi said that he is a big believer in peace but only a strong nation can maintain it. PM said that a weak India would only attract problems. PM Modi said that earlier there used to be terror attacks but India couldn't reply and now it is giving a befitting reply. When asked about lack of appreciation from the opposition regarding getting the prestigious awards, PM Modi said that that BJP doesn't have Lutyens people with them hence those things are not highlighted that much though he doesn't care for it. PM said that Mahatma Gandhi is the biggest leader of the last century but due to one family, his significance hasn't been properly relayed to the world.

PM Modi said that during 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary celebration, they would like to make a course correction. PM Modi also condemned the way some people in Lutyens are trying to corner the Election Commission. PM Modi also said that he had also warned about all the big steps he has taken but people didn't take it seriously. PM said that before Balakot strike and also surgical strike, he had warned the terrorists. Even before demonetization, PM Modi said that ample warning was given that a big action against black money hoarders will be taken. PM Modi also said that in his next phase he would like to increase the pace and ensure completion of all the big-ticket projects that the government has started.