PM Narendra Modi, in his first ever interview to Indian media after becoming PM, said laws can't be different for Reliance Industries' chairman Mukesh Ambani and for common man.

"Our job is to run a policy-driven government. 'Red tape nahin hona chahiye. Ab red tape nahin hona chahiye matlab Mukesh Ambani ke liye red tape na ho aur ek common man ke liye red tape ho, waisa nahin chal sakta' (red tape should not be there does not mean it shouldn't be there for Mukesh Ambani, but be there for a common man; that won't do)", PM Modi said in an exclusive interview to Hindustan Times.

The prime minister even said his 10-month-old government had restored India's global credibility in terms of its politics, governance and economy, replacing the "policy paralysis" during the UPA regime with "dynamism", PTI reported.



"In what situation did the people bring us to power? And what is the situation now? Is there a policy paralysis anymore? No. Is there a transparency issue? No. Is there stagnancy in governance? No. Instead, there is dynamism," he said.

Read full interview here



On issues relating to judiciary, Modi said there have been instances where its initiative has resulted in a "good outcome" and there have been instances when it has resulted in "pain".

"I would not like to analyse the judiciary, the experts should look at it," he said three days after he said that judiciary should guard against 'five-star activists' and it was not as fearless as it used to be were--remarks that kicked up a controversy.

"We have taken a series of measures which have restored faith in our capacity to deliver with transparency, efficiency and speed. We are looking at the interests of the poor of the country and their empowerment," Modi said.

"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion."

Modi said the conclusion of the coal and spectrum auctions established that transparency was possible if there was political will while the distribution of the LPG subsidy through direct bank transfers was an example of the government's strategy to help the poor.

The direction of his government, the prime minister said, was reflected in this year's budget, a futuristic plan for the railways and the pooling of gas for stranded power plants and for fertiliser plants, all of which underscored a "firm commitment towards a prosperous and powerful India."

On Indo-Pak relations, Modi said India is open to dialogue with Pakistan on all outstanding issues but in an environment free from terrorism and violence.

Modi also said that peace can only thrive when the climate is right.

"We remain open to bilateral dialogue with Pakistan on all outstanding issues in an environment free from terrorism and violence," he said.

"The Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration have to be the basis for going forward," he added.



