PM Modi Speaks About Electoral Bonds Scheme, Slams Opposition, Russia-Ukraine War, and Also Says ‘Ek Jhatke Mein Garibi Hata Dunga’

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In a wide-ranging interview ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit out at the Opposition while defending his government’s plans and key decisions during his tenure so far.

On the controversial electoral bonds scheme, PM Modi said, “Due to electoral bonds you are getting the trail of the money. Which company gave it? How did they give it? Where did they give it? And that is why I say when they (opposition) will think honestly, everyone will regret it (on the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds).”

Regarding the BJP’s ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan, he stated, “One nation one election is our commitment…Many people have come on board in the country…Many people have given their suggestions to the committee. Very positive and innovative suggestions have come. The country will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report.”

The Prime Minister also opened up on his intervention for the evacuation of Indians during the Russia-Ukraine war. “I have been very friendly with both the presidents (Russia and Ukraine). I can publicly say to President Putin that this is not the time for war. I can also say publicly to Ukraine that we should follow the path of dialogue,” he said, adding “this is because I have credibility.”

“…When I said that so many people from India our youth is trapped. And I need your help. And what can I do for you? Then I said, I have arranged so much. You help me so much. They helped. And the strength of the Indian flag was so much that even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand. So there was a place for him. So my flag became my guarantee,” PM Modi stressed.

On the Santana Dharma row, he questioned the Congress, saying “The Congress should be asked why they are sitting with those who are spewing venom about Santana Dharma…People’s anger against the DMK is getting diverted towards the BJP in a positive way.”

Regarding the Ram Temple issue, PM Modi accused the Opposition of using it as a “political weapon” earlier. “…now it has been built, the issue has gone out of their hands,” he said.

#WATCH | PM Modi’s big pre-poll interview | BJP's Mission South, Electoral Bonds, ED action | Lok Sabha Elections 2024#PMModi #SmitaPrakash #LokSabhaElection2024

Premiering now: https://t.co/UZGIEI4fkY

— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024

The Prime Minister also dismissed Opposition allegations of misuse of agencies like the ED and CBI, stating, “In reality, they are trying to come up with a reason for their defeat. So that blame for defeat is not attributed to them directly… Out of these, not a single law (ED, CBI filing cases) was brought by my government, on the contrary, Election Commission reforms were brought by my Government”.

He cited past Congress governments to highlight his government’s reforms in EC appointments. “…If the Election Commission is formed today, then the opposition is also in it. Earlier, the Prime Minister used to sign a file and form the Election Commission. Those who were close to their families, such people became election commissioners. Such people, who after leaving from there, became members of the Rajya Sabha, became ministers of their government. Such election commissioners were chosen who became Congress candidates later.”

In an indirect jibe at Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi commented, “Unfortunately, these days, we see there is no commitment and responsibility towards one word. You must have seen old videos of a leader circulating, where his every thought is contradictory. When people see this, they think that this leader was trying to hoodwink the public. Lately, I heard a politician say “Ek jhatke mein garibi hata dunga (I will eradicate poverty in an instant)”. Those who got a chance to be in power for 5-6 decades, when they say this, the country thinks what is this man saying?”

On his future plans, the PM said “I have big plans…kisi ko darne ki zaroorat nahin hai (No one needs to be afraid). My decisions are not made to scare anyone or to diminish anyone. They are made for the overall development of the country.”

Slamming the alleged ‘North-South divide’, PM Modi remarked, “…Viewing India as different units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Ram’s name? Tamil Nadu…Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it…”

He dismissed allegations that the NDA crossing 400 seats would lead to changes impacting diversity. “I don’t understand that on what basis you (Congress) are levelling such allegations against a man who celebrated the Tamil language – the oldest language – at the UN? They have issues when I wear attires from different states. The problem lies with them – they want to cast the country in the same mould. We worship diversity. We celebrate it…We have said, why can’t one become a doctor or an engineer using their mother tongue (curriculum in local languages)? When I speak about the mother tongue, it means I am celebrating it, I am enhancing its greatness.”

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