The prime ministerial aspirant also spoke at length about corruption, which he called a disease - but one that can be prevented to a large extent with proper processes and systems in place.
“My priority will be to develop systems by which the scope of corruption is reduced. But should we direct our efforts towards preventing corruption or clean up the past? That's a question we have to answer,” he said.
“My conscience says I should focus on new corruption so that some more of the muddle is not created,” he said. Speaking about himself, he said if any allegations are made against him, he will face a probe and ensure his name is cleared without any interference.
On privatisation, Modi said it was a matter of professionalism and not politics.
“We have to undertake case studies. It should be done professionally not politically. If the employees of a sick public sector enterprise are taken into confidence, they will run it better than the private companies,” he said.
“Please do not doubt their abilities. One should show confidence in the employees. When I took over as chief minister, the Gujarat State Fertiliser Corp was on the verge of lockup. But I gave it my best. Today, it is more profitable than many private companies.”
