Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Before the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a big statement on the question related to the condition of minorities in India. In an interview to ‘Newsweek’ magazine, he said – This is a common habit of some people, who do not bother to meet people outside the circle. Even the minorities of India no longer accept this narrative. Minorities of all religions (be they Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains or even micro-minorities like Parsis) are living happily and thriving in India.
According to Narendra Modi, “For the first time in our country, our government has come up with a unique saturation coverage approach when it comes to schemes and initiatives. They are not limited to a group of people belonging to a particular community or geography. They are meant to reach everyone, which means they are designed in such a way that there can be no discrimination. Whether it is facilities like house, toilet, water connection or cooking fuel or collateral free loans or health insurance, it is reaching every citizen regardless of community and religion.”
Narendra Modi is the first PM to appear on the cover of Newsweek after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During his conversation with the magazine, he candidly expressed his views on questions ranging from leadership, Ayodhya’s Ram temple in UP , Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, China, status of women, economic development and digital payments to Lok Sabha elections 2024. Read :
Speaking on Lok Sabha elections 2024, he said- India is an exception…
When asked about the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the PM said, “We have a great track record of fulfilling promises. This was a big deal for the people. This is because they were used to making promises that were never fulfilled. Our government has worked with the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. People have faith that if our programs have benefited someone else, they will also get it.
People saw that India has moved from the 11th largest economy to the fifth largest economy. Now the country aspires that India should soon become the third largest economy. By the end of the second term, even the most popular governments start losing support. Dissatisfaction towards governments has also increased in the world in the last few years. In such a situation, India stands as an exception, where popular support for our government is increasing.”
Comment on India-China border dispute
During the interview, the Indian PM was also asked questions about China. On this, he said, “Relations with China are important for India. I believe that we need to urgently address the long-standing situation on the borders to leave behind the abnormality in our bilateral dialogue.
Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important not only for our two countries but for the entire region and the world. I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and maintain peace and stability on the borders.”
Didn’t comment on Pakistan’s Imran Khan
When Narendra Modi was asked about the neighboring country Pakistan, he said, “I have congratulated the Prime Minister of Pakistan on assuming office. India has always advocated for promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region in an environment free from terror and violence.” When asked about the imprisonment of former PM Imran Khan , he said bluntly – I will not comment on the internal matters of Pakistan.
What did the PM say on democracy and free press?
Narendra Modi said, “We are a democracy, not just because our Constitution says so but also because it is in our genes. India is the mother of democracy. Whether it is Uttaramerur in Tamil Nadu, where you can find inscriptions about India’s democratic values from 1100 to 1200 years ago or talk about our scriptures that give examples of political power being exercised on behalf of broad-based consultative bodies.
As the world’s largest democracy, over 600 million people voted in the 2019 general elections. In a few months from now, over 970 million eligible voters will exercise their franchise. The ever-increasing voter participation is a great testimony to people’s faith in Indian democracy.”
PM further said- A democracy like India is able to move forward and function only because there is a vibrant feedback system and our media plays an important role in this regard. We have about 1.5 lakh registered media publications and hundreds of news channels.
There are some people in India and the West who have lost touch with the thought processes, emotions and aspirations of the people of India. These people also live in the echo chamber of alternative realities. They add dissonance to the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom.
