A: I see these comments as highly provocative and I think they amount to interference in the internal affairs of our country. I wish the Government of India takes a stronger stand on this uninvited interference.
Q: Why are many countries in the region worried about the "rise of Narendra Modi"? What would you say to them?
A: This is a perception being held by a handful of vested interest groups, both within India and outside the country. I do not understand why the perceptions of these vested interests should be owned up by a news agency. I can only say that all such perceptions are either misguided or arising out of malafide intent on the part of certain vested interest groups inimical to the progress of India. Apparently, there are several people who cannot reconcile themselves to the emergence of a strong and resilient India.
Q: Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has said the government will approach the courts to appoint a sitting judge to probe the so-called Snoopgate controversy. Do you think it is right for a lame-duck government to make such a provocative move against a likely successor? Do you think the courts will agree?
A: It is an act of despair by a government which is becoming increasingly certain about its defeat. It is one of those last-ditch efforts made by a government which seems increasingly inept at handling its defeat gracefully. Congress party needs to be reminded of the saying, "one must be humble in victory and gracious in defeat". Several top leaders in this present government did not even choose to contest the elections out of fear of losing. The few who have contested are staring at certain defeat. In such a scenario, it is highly unbecoming of a lame-duck government to resort to abuse of state power for political ends.
