'Don't judge me on demonetisation and GST': Modi talks tough on criticism in interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a hit in front of crowds — with millions of people watching him, waiting for him to speak, looking up to his podium with the adoration one reserves for deities. Yet, for all his charisma, it is hard to get a one-on-one with the PM. It is a rare occasion when one gets to see Narendra Modi answer questions posed by an individual in a closed room. So it was an “Eid ka Chaand” moment when Zee News’ Sudhir Chaudhary got the PM to give him an interview.

On government's criticism

Even when faced with softball questions, PM Modi managed to give a few biting replies that will help bolster his supporters' affection and raise many an eyebrow — especially among his critics and detractors. Responding to a question on democracy and criticism, the PM said: “Criticism should not be seen as bad and this is the strength of democracy where everything must be analysed. Good things should be praised and shortcomings should be criticised.”

About the criticism of the BJP government’s economic and financial decisions — including GST, demonetisation and the GDP growth rate slowdown — Modi said it is healthy since the country’s focus has shifted towards economy and growth. He added, however, that the BJP government has faced “less criticism and more allegations” and that issues like corruption and black money have long been a topic of discussion. He also said, “Don’t evaluate me only on demonetisation and GST. We brought economic reform, built toilets, brought electricity to 18,000 villages. The success of GST lies in the power of the federal structure. It takes time to adjust to change, but the outcome will be good.”

But it was not just criticism the PM spoke about. On being asked about his unique diplomatic style — as he has demonstrated with world leaders like former US president Barack Obama, current US president Donald Trump, Russia president Vladimir Putin and Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu — Modi said he is an ordinary person and that is what helps other leaders befriend him. “Every time I stand besides world leaders like Putin or Trump, all I remember is that I am the representative of 125 crore Indians. They have given me the mandate to be there. We must also remember world is an interconnected entity and we cannot live in isolation.”

Open for business

Continuing on his interactions with world leaders and India’s position in the world, Modi said: “India has been instrumental in bringing world’s attention to financial transparency. It was acknowledged by former United States president Barack Obama.”

Modi further stated that the Word Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland — to be held on January 22 and 23 — will be a “good opportunity” for the country as it is a big market with the strength of demographic dividend: “Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace — and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody's etc; second, due to our strong democratic values. It's a unique combination of both in India. And that's what has evoked everyone's interest. So it's an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos."

On the Opposition

Speaking of the Opposition, the PM said that the UPA government “did not address the issues of states. The central government did not listen to us. We respect the federal structure. Hence, we were forced to take economic and monetary reforms”. GST is the product of such a reform, he added. “We have worked hard towards building the concept of one nation-one tax.”

On development

Modi also spoke of a number of development issues, especially pertaining to the financial. “The country has witnessed a growth of 70 lakh accounts of employee’s provident fund. The Mudra Scheme launched by the Centre has also been successful. The initiative of government e-market has empowered small-scale entrepreneurs across the country. It has not only helped in reducing government’s expenditure but also dismantled the monopoly of big entrepreneurs.”

Several times during the interview, referring to the gigantic mandate that got him elected, Modi said, “My work is to be the voice of 125 crore citizens and I am trying to do that honestly.”