• By Ashutosh Jha
  • Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:35 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

After registering a landslide victory in three Hindi heartland states, talks about BJP’s fate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls are rife on whether or not Modi’s charisma will work to ensure the saffron party’s triumph. Ahead of the high-stakes battle, PM Modi interacted with Dainik Jagran's Political Editor Ashutosh Jha and expressed his views on a plethora of issues, including Modi’s guarantees and Ram Temple’s 'Pran Pratishtha'.

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Que- You talked about the Lok Sabha hat trick amid your victory in three states. However, you said Assembly polls should not be considered as the semi-final of Lok Sabha.

Ans- This mandate should be measured on two scales. First, this came ahead of Lok Sabha polls and second, this came after the formation of Opposition’s INDI alliance. This was the first test of the coalition but it failed. People have neglected unstable and selfish politics.

Also, a political group had a delusion that the BJP doesn’t have any formidable opposition at the national level but they are not strong in states. We broke this myth by registering mammoth victory in the three states. Our vote percentage increased remarkably.

Que- BJP this time asked people to vote in their name. The party laid out Modi’s guarantees and got unprecedented results. Will this formula continue?

Ans- There are four factors on which a guarantee is based--Policy, intention, leadership and track record. People negotiate on these four factors. If any of this is overlooked, it becomes a hollow promise. So when I talk about Modi’s guarantees, people look back on our history. We made four crore houses for poor people in the last nine years. We distributed free food grain during the Covid pandemic.

People can observe momentous changes in the infrastructure. People believe us when we make promises. Be it panchayat, local body or assembly elections, BJP works hard. When people see these commitments, they start believing in our guarantees.

Que- BJP’s victory was against Congress. Now the whole Opposition will be united. Are you scared?

Ans- This was just a myth that Congress fought alone. All parties fielded candidates to divide BJP’s vote. INDI alliance worked proactively to divide the BJP vote. People neglected them and now people will not believe them.

Que- There has been a fervid debate on elections in the North and South. How do you see this?

Ans- There is no such debate. People of this country don’t believe in discrimination. This is a fake bubble created by INDIA bloc parties. When people don’t have a motive, they talk about divisive measures. They can do anything to be in power. They are not concerned about the future of the country. They want to be in government for the future of their kids. I believe in the wisdom of the people of this country.

Que- Wherever you are going, chants of ‘abki baar 400 paar’ could be heard. Is there any such aim?

Ans- There is always a motive behind what people say. It is important to understand. Three-decade political instability before 2014 has harmed the nation to a great extent. The whole world is looking at India. The people of India don’t want us to go back to the phase of instability. Imagine what would have happened to India if there had been an unstable government during the Covid pandemic. The global economies have crumbled amid war and pandemic. Thus, people want a stable government.

Que- Ram Temple will be completed soon. You’ll be there on January 22. How big is this day for you?

Ans- Life becomes meaningful when when one gets to see Lord Rama. I am fortunate to have been invited to the big event. Lord Rama has induced so much positivity in us over the years. This is the movement of happiness for 140 crore Indians.

Que- The Supreme Court gave its verdict on Article 370. What do you have to say?

Ans- The Supreme Court gave its nod to the fact that there could not be two rules in one country. The abolition of Article 370 was more important for the people of JK and Ladakh than the political parties. It was an important move for the development of the people. The state has completely changed now. Tourists are going there in large numbers. No power in the universe could now reinstate Article 370.

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Que- BJP has launched new faces as CMs in three states. What was the motive behind this?

Ans- People are usually overlooked when someone is made a brand. This is the mindset. Media too covered only certain families for decades. We cannot talk about the talent and capabilities of people in such an atmosphere. Amid this, we start believing that people are new but they go through rigorous efforts to pave the way for them. BJP is a cadre-based party. Our workers can reach anywhere.