What is the difference between Modi of 2014 and 2019? This is what the PM said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an exhaustive interview with Hindustan Times specified the main difference between Modi of 2014, when he led the Bharatiya Janata Party to a majority on its own, and that of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

“My digestion powers have increased. I can digest insults more easily,” the Prime Minister said as he spoke to HT in his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

Talking about the quality of discourse in this election, one of the most bitterly-fought, PM Modi said: “I can give you a list of what various important people of the Congress, including those of the family (the Nehru-Gandhi family) and people close to the family have called me. I have been called Duryodhan by Priyanka Gandhi, Aurangazeb by Sanjay Nirupam, a Hindu terrorist by Deen Dayal Bairwa, a Namard (impotent person) by Narayan Rane. Even in the past, I have been called names. In 2016, Rahul Gandhi said I am a Dalal (broker) in the blood of soldiers. In 2007, Sonia Gandhi called be merchant of death. There’s more. Many of these were targeted at a sitting Prime Minister.”

The Prime Minister said that if we speak of respect for the post, then it’s the same for everyone. “It is true for (former PM Manmohan Singh) whose government’s order, was torn in public (by Rahul Gandhi). If you are speaking of respect for the post, then what about former Andhra CM Anjaiah-ji, a Dalit, who was humiliated in Hyderabad airport (by former PM Rajiv Gandhi). So anyone complaining now has to see the whole thing in perspective.”

Speaking on the comments made at election rallies by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the PM said: “As far as Mamata-ji is concerned, you should decide, as a journalist, whether you are fine with her tone and tenor of speaking. Her language. Ask reporters in Bengal whether such statements do anything for the state.”

The Prime Minister added that these elections were special as it was the first time those born in the 21st century were voting. “These youngsters are not burdened by the past, they are in pursuit of a better future. These youngsters do not want to be bogged down by dynastic shenanigans, they want a nation where merit is recognised. They do not want old-school caste politics, they want a new age development agenda,” the 68-year-old Prime Minister said.

First Published: May 09, 2019 10:20 IST