Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed various issues at an India TV event, including allegations of India’s involvement in targeted killings in Pakistan, his vision for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, and the BJP’s electoral goals.
Allegations of Targeted Killings in Pakistan
PM Modi responded to accusations that India is behind the “targeted assassinations by unknown killers” of terrorists in Pakistan. He questioned why “some people in India” are concerned about this. The Prime Minister acknowledged that he is the “root cause” of Pakistan’s worries.
Comments on Pakistan’s Nuclear Power
Reacting to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark that “India should respect Pakistan because it has the nuclear bomb,” Modi recalled his visit to Lahore in 2015, stating, “I had personally visited Lahore to check how powerful it is.”
Mission for a Developed India by 2047
PM Modi expressed his commitment to working tirelessly until 2047 to achieve a developed India. He said, “I feel, God Almighty has sent me for a special purpose. God is showing me the path, God is giving me the energy. I am fully confident I will achieve that target by 2047 and until that target is achieved, God will not call me back.”
Electoral Strategy and Article 370
The Prime Minister explained the significance behind the BJP’s “370 seats” slogan, tying it to the unity of the country and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that winning 370 seats would leave a lasting impact on the unity of India.
Criticism of the Opposition
PM Modi criticized the opposition’s strategies, predicting their loss in upcoming elections and accusing them of attempting to defame Indian democracy. He dismissed allegations of EVM tampering and highlighted the successes of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in seizing large amounts of cash, contrasting it with the smaller amounts seized during the UPA’s tenure. “The ED is doing what they are supposed to do. I fought the election of 2014 on the issue of corruption,” he said.