Q: You address so many rallies in a day, plus the responsibilities of your state. What keeps you fit and going?
A: Yes, in the last one month it has been a very hectic and gruelling schedule. However, when I see the kind of support the people are giving to the BJP this time, it keeps me motivated to work hard. Also, when I see the kind of hopes and expectations we have been able to generate in the people after a long time, I feel a sense of responsibility to keep working hard.
Q: What kind of books do you read? Who have been your favourite authors? Do you listen to music?
A: Of late, I hardly get time to read anything. I certainly like to listen to music, but again for the past several months, my schedule has not permitted me to relax in any manner.
Q: You have been criticising the UPA's handling of the economy but have not spelt out how will you fix the problems of inflation, slow growth and lack of job opportunities that has frustrated the youth, including 150 million first-time voters? How will a Modi government's economic policy be different from that of the UPA's? Will the difference be on ideology or approach?
A: Our focus is going to be on reviving the economy and growth. For this we need to revive investor sentiment and start taking decisions to clear the various pending investment proposals. Our focus is going to be clearly on infrastructure and the manufacturing sector. It will not only encourage investment, but will also produce the required employment opportunities.
Our approach is going to be drastically different from the UPA's approach. The UPA government's approach was a legislation-based approach wherein they would just try to wish away problems by legislating against them. It was wishful thinking at best and lazy governance at worst. You cannot solve serious problems of poverty and unemployment by just coming out with pieces of legislation without backing it up with a concrete action plan to implement the provisions. Our focus is going to be on time-bound implementation of various initiatives.