Key things PM Modi said on prime time TV
In his second interview to a private news channel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told CNN-News18, that his heart beats for Babasaheb Ambedkar and his Dalit brethren and many cannot accept this truth.
The PM spoke at length on a host of issues to the channel's group editor Rahul Joshi, including the GST bill, the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, Balochistan, Dalit uprising as well as cow politics in India.
It must be noted that CNN News18 is owned by Mukesh Ambani and the prime minister drew flak from Twitter and mainstream media for endorsing the latter's Reliance Jio, which was launched on September 1, Tuesday, by appearing in a front-page advertisement that was carried by almost every mainstream national daily in the country barring the Indian Express.
Along with "Reform", "Perform" and "Transform" - the three buzzwords Modi introduced at his first townhall, he added the word "Inform" for Indians to make the leap for 4G data stage.
He said: I say in my government - Reform, Perform and Transform. Now I would say in this interview, Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform."
However, the standout statement of the prime minister was his unequivocal support for the teeming millions of the country.
He said: “All those self-appointed guardians who were trying to create tension in the country did not like that Modi is with the Dalits… That Modi devotes himself to tribals. I am devoted to the welfare of all Dalits, oppressed, underprivileged and deprived. Development is my only agenda and I am committed to it”
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| Narendra Modi at the TV interview. Photo credit: Twitter/@CNNnews18. |
Here are his top comments, observations and statements:
On BJP government:
"Whenever my government is evaluated, the situation of the government before we came to power must be kept in mind.
"On his top priority:
My first priority after forming the government was that the atmosphere of despair should be removed by creating hope and belief in the country.
On change:
There was a time when we were being seen as a sinking ship. In the BRICS, the "I" was seen as if it had toppled over. Today. it is said that if there is a bright spot, it is India.
On GST Bill:
This (GST Bill) is perhaps the biggest tax reform since the independence of India. GST will simplify tax payments so much that anyone who wants to contribute to the country will come forward.
Taxation systems will be simplified, this will benefit the common man, the nation will develop. We will make the federal structure stronger and more transparent.
On FDI:
Today, we have the biggest share of FDI since Independence.The whole world is looking at us, and at 7 per cent growth, we are the fastest growing economy. Every big global organisation - IMF, World Bank, credit agaencies - everyone is happy with the India growth story.
On monsoon's impact on agriculture:
This time the rains have been fine, and has helped the economy. The coming days will be better.
On power generation:
Infrastructure work is growing fast which means we have a demand-driven economy.
On legal overhaul:
We have removed 1,700 laws that were antiquated, belonged to the British era or the last century.
On universities:
We will create world class universities. 10 government and 10 private universities will be freed of all University Grants Commission rules.
On black money:
Till September 30, you can turn your ill-gotten money into mainstream circulation. After that, we will take tough decisions.
On youth power:
We have 80 crore youth who are below 30 years of age. We need to empower them by giving them skills, and turn the fortunes of this country.
On Robert Vadra:
“I have been Chief Minister of a state (Gujarat) for 14 years. The history is witness to it that I have never opened any file because of political reasons. There has been no such allegation against me. It has been over two-and-a-half years here (in government at the centre). There is no instruction from the government to open any file.”