MODI INTERVIEW
could have been created for the youth. So many new infrastructure projects could have been launched,” he said.
Turning his attention to the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, Modi said there was enthusiasm among the people about a third term for the BJP. “When was the last time you saw something like this in the entire world, that even after 10 years of a government, the masses are engaged to re-elect them to power with the same enthusiasm and absolute fervour?” he asked.
He also took potshots at the Opposition. “It is not the election, but the Opposition camp that is dull because of their certain defeat. Even the Opposition believes that the NDA government will return to power, which is why even several opposition leaders are shying away from poll campaigns.”
Modi hailed the achievements of his government on the economic and foreign policy fronts. “People of this country are taking note of the fact that India is the fifth largest and the fastest growing economy in the world. The third largest startup ecosystem of the world is in India. Our space missions, the ‘Make in India’ campaign, and the unprecedented speed of infrastructure development are topics of discussions all over the world. People have immensely benefited with rail, road and airport development works. We are way ahead of other countries in real time digital payment systems.” He also drew a contrast between the BJP model and the Congress model, saying while the former strengthened the country, the latter was focussed on the family.
‘People have got the opportunity to compare the BJP model and the Congress model for the first time. The Congress ruled the country with full majority for 5-6 decades. In comparison, the BJP has served with absolute majority for only one decade. When they had full majority governments, all they did was strengthen their family. Today, when we have a majority government, our priority is to strengthen the country — villages, the poor, our farmers, and the middle class society.”
He said the whole world was witnessing the difference between the two models. “Our report card of 10 years is proof that the BJP fulfils its guarantees. Now, we are going to the masses with our vision of a developed India by 2047,” he said. He underlined his government’s vision for India and its record in eradicating poverty, expanding hygiene and providing housing for the poor. “And what you have witnessed in the last 10 years is just the trailer. A lot more work has to be done. We have to take the country far ahead.”
In the interview, Modi spoke about biofuels, ethanol-blending, and the benefits accrued to sugarcane farmers due to the government’s clean energy push. He also spoke about the administration’s plans to expand employment for young people in Uttarakhand, and how tourism had flourished in the hill state. Both the western Uttar Pradesh region, where sugarcane is a major crop, and Uttarakhand, go to the polls in the first phase. and co-operation between NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala police”.
One Muzammil Shareef was earlier arrested in the case on March 27 for allegedly providing logistics such as cell phones, fake SIM cards, etc used to plan and execute the low-intensity IED blast that left nine people injured.
The bomb went off at the busy Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 and prompted a multi-agency probe. A preliminary investigation zeroed in on a man who left an unidentified bag near the cash counter.
Police recovered a battery and a timer from the blast site, indicating that the explosion was premeditated. Visuals from the immediate aftermath of the blast showed panicked people running away from the scene, sheltering themselves from shattered glass, strewn furniture, smoke, and fire.
A case was registered under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act in connection with the blast.