There's Nothing Like Real or Fake Modi: Top Quotes From PM Interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Network18 Group editor Rahul Joshi in an exclusive interview in which he dwelt at length on broad sweep of topics including a rare glimpse of himself while warning of tough action on those with unaccounted wealth.

Here are the top quotes from the interview.

-Whenever my government is evaluated, the situation of the government before we came to power must be kept in mind.

-There was a time when we were being seen as a sinking ship. In the BRICS, the ‘I’ was seen as if it had toppled over. Today it is said that if there is a bright spot, it is India.

-This (GST Bill) is perhaps the biggest tax reform since the independence of India. This reform will bring a big change in India.

-Today, we have the most amount of Foreign Direct Investment after Independence. The entire world says that at 7% growth, we are the fastest growing economy.

-I say in my government -- Reform, Perform and Transform. And since I am sitting for an interview, I would say Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform.

-Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a big reform. Earlier who knew where MNREGA money was going. Now it is sent by DBT.

Also read: There's Nothing Like Real or Fake Modi: Top Quotes From PM Interview

-The pace at which roads are being made, railways is expanding, six fold increase in electronic goods manufacturing, these things show we haven't taken short cuts. And my motto is, as it says on railway platforms, 'short cut will cut you short'.

-I have been a state CM for 14 years. And history is testimony to the fact that I have never opened any file due to political considerations.

-If we want to free this country of poverty then we need development. We will need to empower the poor.

-As far as some incidents of Dalit atrocities are concerned, they need to be condemned. It has no place in any civilized society.

-From a statistical point of view, whether it is communal violence, atrocities against Dalits, atrocities against tribals, data shows that such incidents have gone down in number as opposed to the previous government.

-If you look at Dalit MPs and Dalit MLAS, tribal MPs and tribal MLAs, the BJP has a sizeable presence.

-I am devoted to the development of all the Dalit, oppressed, underprivileged and deprived. Those who see this as an obstruction to their politics are the ones creating trouble.

-We have acknowledged the power of the diaspora in Neeti Ayog. In its basics. This is such a global strength. They have global exposure.

-As far as the BJP is concerned, we will fight on development issues only.

-The poison of casteism and communal vote bank have caused enough damage in our country. The biggest obstacle to strengthening our democracy is the vote bank politics.

-The welfare of the billion people is my biggest task and I will not lose anything if I do not associate myself with Lutyens Delhi.

-Media has played a major contribution to whatever I'm today.

-This government goes by rules, the law and the constitution. There is no scope for any confrontation or tension with any constitutional institution.

-There is nothing like real or fake Modi. Human being is a human being. If you take off your political glasses, then you will see the real Modi.

-I have been painted as one who doesn't listen and only talks down. I actually hear a lot and observe a lot. That's I have evolved as a person.

-The image of this country is the unending legacy of 1.25 billion people. Modi is just one of those 1.25 billion Indians, nothing more. Modi's identity must get lost among those 1.25 billion people.

Also read: Tough Line on Black Money: Full Text of PM Modi's Interview To Network18