New Delhi, Aug 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his interview with news agency ANI, launched a retaliation to the tirade of charges levelled by the Opposition over the past few days. Among the issues on which Modi cleared the government's stance, include unemployment and mob lynchings.

On the fatal violence perpetrated by mobs on the pretext of cow slaughter and child-lifting, Modi said the Centre has directed all state governments to crackdown on those involved in such heinous crimes. Here is what the PM said on major issues:

On Mob lynchings

"Even a single incident is one too many and deeply unfortunate. Everyone should rise above politics to ensure peace and unity in our society," PM Modi said on incidents of crime against women and incidents of lynching.

Modi also dismissed the allegations that a section of his party ideologically supports the self-styled cow vigilantes. "My party and I have spoken in clear words, on multiple occasions against such actions and such a mindset. It is all on record," he added.

On NRC

"I want to assure the people that no citizen of India will have to leave the country. As per the due process, all possible opportunities will be given to get their concerns addressed," the Prime Minister said.

Modi also retaliated to the charges of divisive politics levelled by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who claimed that implementation of NRC would push the nation into a civil war.

"Those who have lost faith in themselves,fear loss of popular support and lack faith in our institutions can use words like ‘civil war’,‘blood bath’ and ‘Desh Ke Tukde Tukde.’ Evidently, they are disconnected from the pulse of the nation," Modi said in retaliation.

On unemployment charge

"More than 1 crore jobs have been created in the last year alone, thus the campaign that jobs have not been created must come to a halt," PM Modi said.

On reservation

PM Mod brushed away the charges levelled by the Opposition, which has claimed that the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS, wants to dilute the reservation granted to underprivileged castes in educational institutions and government jobs.

"Reservation is here to stay. Let there be no doubt about it," Modi said.

Defends GST

"The Congress president tried his best to provoke people against GST during Gujarat elections, why did the people reject him," Modi questioned, referring to Rahul Gandhi's "Gabbar Singh Tax" acronym to refer to the GST ahead of Gujarat assembly elections.

On Rahul Gandhi hugging him in Lok Sabha

"It is for you to judge whether it was a childish act or not. And if you are unable to decide, watch the wink and you will get the answer," he said.

"I am a humble Kaamdaar. I am nothing compared to the Naamdaars of this country, who have their own unique style of conducting themselves. They decide whom to hate, when to hate and whom to ‘love’ and how to make a show of it. In all this, what can a Kamdaar like me say," the PM further added.

On parting ways with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir

Putting the onus on ousted chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, Modi said his party was unable to fulfill the agenda of alliance following the demise of PDP patriarch and Mehbooba's predecessor Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in December 2015.

"After the sad demise of Mufti Sahab, there were hurdles in fulfilling those (people’s) expectations, that is why without casting any aspersions we opted out of power," Modi added.

On whether NDA allies are on his side

Referring to the government's emphatic victory in the no-confidence motion and Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson polls, Modi said it has become clear that the allies are strongly backing him ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"Outcome of these events should indicate which coalition is intact and which is falling apart. In fact, we got support even from those parties which are not our allies. BJP has consistently expanded base over recent years among people and welcomed more allies to NDA," he claimed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2018 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).