On fighting 2019 polls from Puri, PM Modi says speculations are created by media

Bhubaneswar: Amid much hype over Prime Minister Narendra Modi contesting from Puri Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming general polls, the PM on Tuesday clarified that all the speculations building over the matter are created by the media.

Speaking to news agency ANI on New Year’s Day, Modi said, “Mediawalon ko bhi to kuch kaam milna chahiye…chalta rehta he” (the press should also get some work..it just goes on).

While Modi’s comment has put all the speculations to rest for the time being, the PM did not clarify whether he will continue to fight from Varanasi, his present Lok Sabha seat.

Earlier, several top leaders of Odisha BJP were seen having discussions over Modi contesting from Puri. The saffron party's state unit chief Basant Panda had also said that they would propose the national party unit for projecting Modi as a candidate from Puri.

During the interview, PM Modi also talked over several issues like demonetisation, Ram Temple row and RBI Governor Urjit Patel’s resignation.

The Prime Minister said that prior to November 2016, the decision on note ban, people were warned to declare their assets but they thought that PM Modi was like his predecessors and so they did not act voluntarily, he said.

On demands for an ordinance for Ram Temple law, the PM said that any decision regarding that will be taken only after the decision of the Supreme Court.

Refuting the allegations of the NDA government's role in the resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel, PM Modi said that it was Patel's personal decision and he had informed about it much earlier.

This apart, when asked about the prospects of BJP in the ensuing elections, Modi said the polls will see a ‘Janata’ (public) vs ‘Gathbandhan’ (alliance). He said, “I leave it to the people to decide whether they are satisfied with my work or not.”

Responding to PM Modi’s comments, Congress leader Kabil Sibal said demonetisation is the biggest scam in the history of the country and when evidence comes up, everyone in this government will be held responsible.

CPI leader Sitaram Yechury said, “Janata is the biggest alternative to PM Modi. The upcoming polls will see fight between the public and the government. ‘Janata’ have already decided that they will not allow the Modi-led NDA government to destroy the country further.”