He did however, at the same time, say that a “sin” has been committed and those behind it have had a “big protective cover”.
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Modi was asked what is the “Lakshman Rekha” for holding talks Pakistan because in 2014 it was said it will be only talks between the two countries and not with Hurriyat.
“It’s my conviction, it’s my commitment”.
“I am of the firm belief that the nation should progress on the issue of development”. New Delhi, therefore, must engage with all countries. “The basic problems that people are facing, whether it is price rise, unemployment or severe drought condition…such issues do not even occur to the Prime Minister to answer”, Karat said. Arnab was deferential – as indeed he must be to the Prime Minister of the country.
On foreign policy, Modi said that it was important for him to meet world leaders so that they could get to know him, and not rely on the impression of him created by the media because that would be detrimental to the country. He expressed pride over the fact that none of them were from the metro cities, or even the capitals of their respective states.
Narendra Modiji also shot an arrow at those who chastised the entire Opposition in Parliament for blocking the path of progress.
“A party which hasn’t been in power or hasn’t seen anything could behave in this way”.
He said if the Bharatiya Janata Party took to the opposition in “2040”, it can not behave the way it did in 2009-10.
It is welcome that the prime minister chose to interact with the media.
“This will help shopkeepers to keep their businesses open till late hours, just like malls function all week without a break. Before taking any extreme steps, the government must give a chance to the people”, he said.
Modi also said that whatever comes out will be put in public domain.
“The price of pulses had risen to Rs 60 a kg from Rs 40 kg (during UPA rule) but Modi had made a huge hue and cry over food inflation”. China had also said earlier in June that India’s admission to the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is not on the agenda of the grouping that started a plenary session in Seoul.
Our Prime Minister emphasized time and again that the core of his government’s foreign policy was to protect the country, advance its interests and go more than half way to sing the tune of Peace. “Foreign policy is about finding common meeting points”, he said.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a host of issues, especially India’s failure at the NSG meet, he said that the Prime Minister should realise that “diplomacy is not a sound and light show”.
If the prime minister had intended it as a PR exercise this surely was a poor one at that.
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Having said that by way of exchanging pleasantries, allow me to make a mention of some of the highlights of the Mega Interview.
