Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Transcript - PM's interaction with media after the swearing-in ceremony - 17.06.2013

Q- Do you see the JD(U) as a possible ally in the future?

PM- In politics there are no permanent enemies or friends - the situation evolves.
 
Q- Do you find Nitish Kumar to be a secular leader?

PM- Well he is a secular leader.
 
Q- Do you see the possibility of Cong having an alliance of JD(U)?

PM- I can't speculate on that - what happens in the future, events can tell.
 
Q- Do you see JD(U) supporting you in the present Lok Sabha.

PM- We need the support of all right-thinking people regardless of the political formation to which they may belong.

Q- LK Advani has put a stumbling block for Narendra Modi - What is your comment?

PM- This is an internal matter of the BJP - I wouldn't like to comment on that.
 
Q- With NDA shrinking, does it embolden the prospects of UPA-3?

PM- I have always believed that we will have a third go at the elections and that we will come out victorious.
 
Q- How do you see the elevation of Narendra Modi in BJP?

PM- The people of India have to draw their own conclusions, what Narendra Modi stands for, and what his elevation means. I wouldn't like to comment on it.
 
Q- So now it is directly Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi.

PM- Rahul Gandhi is a national leader of the Congress party, and I hope that he will be a leader of the UPA alliance.
I have always believed Rahul is fit enough to be a leader of the UPA - that is not a question of any speculation. I have always believed he has all the right qualities that a leader (should have).
 
Q- That means you will be making way for him?

PM- I have always said, as far as I am concerned, I would be very happy to see Rahul step into my shoes.
 
Q- Do you contemplate a larger UPA?

PM- Well. It is too early to speculate. We would like all secular minded persons and parties to work together to give this country a clean, secular government.
 
Q- Can the federal front challenge the government in times to come?

PM- I can't see the federal front leading to a real challenge to the UPA.
 
Q- Now that the NDA has lost an important ally, how does that affect the prospects of the UPA.

PM- Have always believed, when the chips are down, the UPA will give a good account of itself.
 
Q- Do you see Modi as a threat?

PM- No threat to us. I think the people of India know Modi,- what he stands for.