‘Even united Oppn can’t take on Modi’

Rajnath Singh enjoys the number two position in the Narendra Modi government as the Union home minister and is constantly under scrutiny of the media and public over law and order across the country, especially in conflict zones such as Jammu and Kashmir. In Bhubaneswar for the BJP’s national executive, Singh spoke to HT’s

and on the challenge from a united opposition and why he believes Narendra Modi can win many elections to come. The party is charged up with its recent election victories. We have drawn up an expansion plan and it will be discussed threadbare at the meeting. Odisha is one of the states which holds promise for the BJP. We will win the next election here too. Over the next two days, we will also deliberate how to ensure effective implementation of the policies and programmes we have announced for the welfare of the people. It is also important we effectively communicate about these initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his credibility. There was a feeling of assurance among people when he came to power in 2014. He has since emerged as a leader with credibility — the reason why we see people placing such unflappable faith in him. Today, no one doubts Modi’s intentions. Not even his rivals, who might criticise his policies but cannot question his intentions. Even a united opposition cannot take on Modi. Opposition parties have been left with nothing. Their coming together won’t make any difference. It is also because of the fact that the credibility of opposition leaders is low. As long as Modi’s credibility is intact, the BJP has no reason to worry. All these parties think in terms of social equations. India has moved beyond these things. Mayawati won a majority in 2007, see where she stands today. The same goes with many opposition parties. In Delhi, the AAP candidate lost his deposit in the by-election to Rajouri Garden assembly seat. Doesn’t that give you a trend? It all points towards one fact: that people have immense trust on Modi and his governance model. He has infused a sense of confidence among the poor. That is the biggest strength of Modi. are going to win Karnataka, Rajasthan and all others states going to poll before 2019. But yes, we have some concerns. We have tried to push job creation through skill development of youths. The government alone cannot achieve everything. We need to push schemes for skill development at a greater speed. This is a matter concerning the Army. They have taken cognisance and are investigating the matter. They will prepare a report at the earliest. I think we should wait for it.

Odisha holds promise for the BJP. We will win the next election here too. Over the next two days, we will also deliberate how to ensure effective implementation of the policies and programmes we have announced for welfare of the people.