PM Modi says ‘hatred for Modi’ binds the opposition; opens up about his security

In an interview to Swarajya magazine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched on topics such as his thoughts on the formation of a grand alliance against him for the 2019 general elections and how a few threats will not stop him from interacting with people in public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the rumoured grand opposition alliance is merely a “grand race” initiated by his competition to be the next prime minister of the country and is driven by “personal survival and power politics”. He stated that the opposition has no agenda except to strip him off his post and that “hatred for Modi” is their “sole gluing force” as he expressed confidence that people will definitely vote BJP back to power in the next Lok Sabha elections.

In a swipe at the Congress, he said the main opposition party is fighting a battle for its survival (“astitva ki ladai”) and is now running from pillar to post looking for allies after people rejected its “high-headdedness”. Taking a dig at the Rahul Gandhi-led party, the prime minister said that Congress has turned into a regional party and cannot become a cementing force or anchor for any alliance of opposition parties against him.

When asked about the Home Ministry’s review of his security after the police in Pune allegedly seized a “letter” that spoke of a Maoist plan to “assassinate” him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is “not a Shahenshah” (emperor) to ignore people’s affection and often gets down from his vehicle to interact with them.

“Whenever I am travelling, I see that a lot of people, from all age groups and sections of society, are out on the streets to greet me and welcome me. I can’t just remain seated in my car, aloof from their display of affection and care. That is why I invariably get down and greet, interact with people as much as I can,” said PM Modi.

“I am not a Shahenshah or an imperious ruler who is unaffected by their warmth. Being among people gives me lot of strength,” said Modi when asked a question about holding road shows during which he interacts with people.