Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave an interview to Times Now and here are the five things we learnt

In a first for the country, a sitting Prime Minister- in this case, Narendra Modi was giving an hour long one-on-one interview to an Indian journalist working at a private news channel.

And, when that journalist turns out to be one other than fiery Arnab Goswami, the self-appointed voice of the nation, things are bound to get interesting.

But, unfortunately the interview didn’t quite have the fireworks that we were expecting and instead showed us something that we never thought was possible- a tame Arnab Goswami.

There’s a running joke on the internet that basically implies that Arnab Goswami actually let Modi’s answers decide his questions. While we can’t vouch for that, we can certainly say that there was a stark difference in the Goswami we are used to seeing every night at 9 pm. (Where did the yelling go? Who knew Goswami could talk?)

On Modi’s part, there was much that he said that we hadn’t already heard before, but our Prime Minister was indeed candid about certain issues.

Here are the five most important things we learnt from Narendra Modi’s interview:

1. Our Prime Minister loves Raghuram Rajan as much as we do

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan courted controversy when he announced that he would not be continuing as the RBI Governor for the second term. BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy, who in the past had sought Rajan’s resignation and even wrote to the Prime Minister regarding the same, even took credit for Rajan’s exit.

What Indians were curious to know was PM Modi’s view on the matter, considering Swamy is from his own party. And, finally yesterday we had the answer-

“I believe Raghuram Rajan’s patriotism is no less than any of ours. It will be doing injustice to him if one says that he will serve the country only if he is at a particular post. As much as I know Raghuram Rajan, whatever post he holds, wherever he is, he is someone who will continue to serve the country. He is someone who loves his country. Therefore, it's not like the nation won't get Raghuram Rajan's services, Raghuram Rajan is not that kind of a person. He is a person who loves the country. Those who speak such language are doing great injustice to him. My experience with him has been good. I appreciate the work he has done. And my good wishes will always be with him.”

2. Modi also indirectly asked Subramanian Swamy from a public forum to shut it.

To say that Subramian Swamy is controversy’s favourite child would be a gross understatement. But, Modi made it known on live television that he is not in favour of such behaviour.

"Whether it is someone from my party or not, I believe that such things (criticism of government officials) are inappropriate. The nation won't benefit from such publicity stunts. One should be more responsible while conducting themselves. Anyone who believes he is bigger than the system is wrong,"

3. Black money? What black money?

When Narendra Modi was elected as Prime Minister, he had basically announced that he would personally see to it that all the black money stashed away in foreign accounts would make their way back to India.

But, one year later, Modi’s forgotten his promise to the nation and instead treated it as laughing matter.

When Goswami asked him about the opposition’s claim that every Indian could get Rs 15 lakh in their bank account, this is what Modi had to say-

"That is something the opposition raises during elections. Let them have some issue to talk about."

4. Why does Narendra Modi fly out of the country so much?

And, finally the answer we’ve all waited for answered by Narendra Modi, in (to everyone’s surprise) third person

"The world didn't know me. The world wants to know who the head of the state is. If someone would want to know Modi through the eyes of the media, then he would be disillusioned on which Modi is the real Modi. If this happens, the country will be at a loss. Modi's personality shouldn't be a hindrance for the world to have faith in India. But for that unless I meet all those leaders and engage them them one to one, unless I speak to them frankly, they wouldn't know about India's head of state, so it was very important for me as I am not from a political family. I never had the opportunity to meet the world leaders earlier."

5. Even Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India is scared of making jokes.

When Arnab Goswami tried asking the PM whether his US speech was impromptu or not, Modi without answering a clear Yes or No added that he has a humorous side but feels that it is risky to show that side these days.

On being prodded, this is what he said-

“In this era of 24/7 news channels, anybody can lift a small word and make a big issue out of it. But I will tell you the truth, the reason for the absence of humour in public life is this fear. I am myself scared . Earlier when I used to make speeches, I would make it so humourous but there would never be any issues.”

So has our Prime Minister become more conscious now?

“I am not conscious. I am in fear, there is no humour left in public life because of this fear. Everyone is scared. I am in fear. My speeches used be humorous. I see it in Parliament, that humour is finished there too. It is a matter of concern.”