"PM Modi Hard Taskmaster When It Comes To Public Good": Amit Shah To NDTV

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an excellent listener when it comes to meetings and taking feedback, but when it is a matter of public good, he is a very "hard task master", Union home minister Amit Shah told NDTV today.  In an exclusive interview with NDTV CEO and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal, Mr Shah was asked about the various facets of the Prime Minister and Mr Shah's own experience of working with him. 

Asked whether the Prime Minister is very strict, Mr Shah -- one of PM Modi's closest colleagues for decades -- said it was just a perception that has been created.

"I have told this many times and I would like to repeat it. I have not seen a more patient listener than him. In a meeting, since he is the leader, he speaks at the end. In the cabinet, no matter which department he is in, he gives all the cabinet ministers a chance to speak," Mr Shah said.

The ministers, he said, "speak openly and the decisions are open". And inputs, he said, is taken regularly - not just from ministers, but also from the various parliamentary committees and changes are made.  

"Whatever the Opposition leader says, in all our important changes, we have sent people to the joint committee or standing committee of the parliament. Whether it is a matter of three laws, whether it is a matter of income tax reform, whether it is a matter of the 130th amendment of the constitution. We have sent every bill to the standing committee or the joint committee of parliament," he said.

"So, there is a reflection. On the basis of reflection, there are very mature decisions. And even after taking the decision, if it is necessary to make a change in it, then even while making a change, I have never seen Modi ji hesitating. Because above all, the interest of the country and the convenience of the people of the country comes to him," he added.

"So, there is a reflection. On the basis of reflection, there are very mature decisions. And even after taking the decision, if it is necessary to make a change in it, then even while making a change, I have never seen Modi ji hesitating. Because above all, the interest of the country and the convenience of the people of the country comes to him," he added.

Asked about how many consider the Prime Minister a hard taskmaster, Mr Shah said it is needed when it comes to the welfare of the people.

"It depends on what the task is. If the task is for the welfare of the people of the country, for the security of the country, the progress of the country's economy... for progress... so he should be a hard task master... He always works hard for the welfare of the country.  And he should do it," Mr Shah said.