Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving a series of interviews in the run-up to the general elections, addressing various issues. Amidst predictions that BJP might win, Modi recently commented on equaling Jawaharlal Nehru's record of serving as Prime Minister for three consecutive terms.
“Analysts used to write about me being the longest-serving Chief Minister in Gujarat. This is the job of analysts. But it doesn’t matter how many times one serves as Prime Minister. What matters is how much the country has developed. Modi can win three times, five times, or even seven times. I have the blessings of 140 crore people. So, it will continue,” he said. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, served from 1947 to 1964 and won the 1952, 1957, and 1962 elections, creating a record of three consecutive terms.
Modi also explained why the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s lander on the Moon was named 'Shiv Shakti'. “They could have named it something else. If the opposition were in power, they would have named it after their family. But I can't do that. India has introduced a philosophy to the world. So, I am proud to name it after 'Shiv Shakti', which resonates with 140 crore people. Naming it after a family would have connected only a few,” he said.
Addressing the opposition's criticism that he is taking credit for government successes, Modi responded, “Are we proud of India's achievements or not? That’s the first question. I don’t understand what’s wrong with taking pride in these achievements. They say why Modi is taking credit. They want all the credit to themselves without being happy about the successes. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, we conducted nuclear tests. The opposition then said it was all done by scientists. When Chandrayaan-2 failed, I stood by the scientists. I didn’t run away from there,” Modi stated.
