‘There Is a Pro-Incumbency Wave,’ Says PM Modi in Interview

“The Balakot strike would have been regarded one of the world’s greatest military operations, if not for elections.”

File photo of PM Narendra Modi.

(Photo: PTI)

“After several years, we are witnessing a pro-incumbency wave during these elections,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to India TV.

Expressing confidence about a BJP victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said that for more than 30 years, every sitting government faced anti-incumbency, but this time the country’s mood is different.

Criticising the opposition parties, he said that they have joined forces not for the country’s benefit, but for their own.

“The moment they realise that their existence is no more in danger, they will try to finish each other,” he said.

On Balakot Strike

On being asked about the Balakot strike, PM Modi said that it would have been regarded as one of the greatest military operations in history, had the focus not shifted to elections.

“We should be proud of the operation carried out by our forces. But, unfortunately, the entire narrative has shifted to elections,” he said.

When asked how he managed to bring Wing Commander Abhinandan back to India, he said: “Wo ek raat thi, Usme kai raaz the, Raaz ko raaz hi rehne dijiye (It was a night which has many secret stories to tell. Let them stay secrets).”

On Congress’ claim of conducting six surgical strikes in the UPA era, he said: “They ran a government on remote control, now statements are being made on remote control”.

On Diplomacy

PM Modi claimed that the healthy majority that his government enjoyed helped him in negotiating diplomatic relations with other countries, adding that his personal equations with world leaders also helped.

“Personal chemistry matters in international and diplomatic relations. I don’t carry any baggage about any of the world leaders while meeting them. Also, a full majority government helped in creating a sense of confidence about India,” he said.

(With inputs from India TV)