Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the fate of Jammu and Kashmir has changed post abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India that granted special status to erstwhile State. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) showed courage to scrap Article 370.
In an interview to a news agency, the Prime Minister said we have a tradition of ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (we can give our lives but can’t compromise with the commitment).’
“Abrogation of Article 370 was our party’s commitment. When it was my turn, I showed courage and did away with it,” he said.
Modi said post abrogation of Article 370, the fate of Jammu and Kashmir has changed.
He said by saying `Modi Ki Guarantee’, he was giving the people a guarantee that he would fulfil all his promises.
Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s speech that he will remove poverty in a jiffy, the Prime Minister said when those who ruled for five to six decades say this, the people will raise questions.
He said he has big plans once his Government comes back to power after Lok Sabha elections.
Modi said it was strength of the Indian flag that became his guarantee when large number of people from India including youth, were trapped in Ukraine at the time of conflict.
“It was the Indian tricolor that became the guarantee during the time of war between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
The Prime Minister said ‘One Nation, One Election’, which is one of the key promises made by the BJP in its poll manifesto, is also a commitment of his Government.
“One Nation, One Election is our commitment. We have talked about this in Parliament as well. A committee was formed which has submitted its report. Many people gave their suggestions to the Committee which were positive and innovative. Nation will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report,” Modi said.
He said the idea of `One Nation, One Election’ has gained prominence in the BJP’s election manifesto which was released recently.
The Prime Minister denied allegations by the Opposition that there is a lack of level playing field in the Lok Sabha elections saying the laws regarding the institutions were formed before his tenure.
Responding to a question on the alleged “misuse” of Enforcement Directorate, Modi said, that none of the laws regarding this were made by his Government whether it is ED, CBI or Election Commission.
Modi questioned the Opposition for spreading fear that the BJP would seek to change the Constitution if it is voted to power again.
“When I say that I have big plans, no one should be scared. I don’t take decisions to scare or run-over anyone, I take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation. Additionally, Governments always say we have done everything, I don’t believe I have done everything. I have tried to do everything in the right direction, yet there is so much I need to do, because I see that my country has so many needs. How do I fulfill the dreams of every family, that is why I say this is a trailer?” the PM said.
The PM revealed that work on the ambitious 2047 Viksit Bharat project has been ongoing for the last two years and he has even set himself a target for his first 100 days in office in his next term if elected to office.
“In 2047 we will be celebrating 100 years of the independence of the country. Naturally during such a milestone it somehow brings new excitement, creates a new resolution….Every institution, everyone should have a goal. I am the head of my village, by 2047, I will do this much in my village. And an inspiration should arise in the country. And the 100th anniversary of independence is a great inspiration in itself,” he added.
Modi said that in the current Lok Sabha elections the choice before the voter was between a failed Congress model and the BJP model that had shown its performance.
“If we look at the 2024 elections, there is an opportunity before the country -there is a model of the Congress Government and the BJP Government. They `have worked for 5-6 decades and I have only worked for 10 years. Compare these in any field. Even if there are some shortcomings, there will be no shortcomings in our efforts,” the PM said.
Modi said that investment from across the globe is welcome but the products should have the essence of the country’s soil and its citizens should be engaged in the manufacturing process.
He asserted that whoever wishes to invest in India can do so, but it must be produced by Indians so that youth can get employment opportunities.