In last 10 years, on an average, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I went to some corner of India: PM Modi

(File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people gathered for his welcome upon his arrival at Thriprayar, in Thrissur district on 17 January 2024. PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday provided insight into his exceptionally busy schedule noting that he has spent weekends over the past decade in various corners of India.

“If you see my record of 10 years, then on an average, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I went to some corner of India. I have been among the people and that is why my visits continue. I believe elections are the festival of democracy and as such it is the duty of all political parties to go among the people as much as possible. They should engage in dialogue and discussion. So, whether it’s election time or not, I consider it my duty as a worker in the political field to meet the people,” Prime Minister Modi said in an exclusive interview hosted by Network18, Managing Editor and Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi along with News18 Lokmat anchor Vilas Bade and News18 Kannada Editor Hariprasad.

The prime minister also acknowledged the massive support that the citizens are giving him during these elections.

“As far as these two phases of elections are concerned, I have seen such public support in very few elections. In a way, the people are fighting these elections. They are fighting for good governance. They are fighting to fulfil their dreams. I feel perhaps I am just the medium. I am more enthusiastic to go among the people this time because when the people are so enthusiastic to take up such a big responsibility, I feel it is my duty to bow down to them and seek their blessings. When the first round of elections took place, I had told some friends that people who were campaigning against us were finished. After the second round, they are demolished. First, people finished them, now they demolished them,” Prime Minister Modi said.

A workaholic PM

Prime Minister Modi is known for his tireless work ethic. He often puts in long hours and is deeply involved in the governance of the country. This workaholic reputation is often seen in his packed schedule, extensive travel and involvement in various initiatives and policies.

In April last year, Prime Minister Modi embarked upon a journey spanning over 5,000 km in various parts of the country in 36 hours from 24 April. During his two-day tour, he attended eight programmes and travelled to seven different cities.

A known workaholic who maintains a punishing 18-hour daily schedule, Prime Minister Modi has not made life very easy for his ministers and bureaucrats, from whom he expects the same levels of work and commitment. Eighteen-hour workdays. Powerpoint presentations. Meetings and follow-up meetings. An obsessive boss who springs surprise checks on you.

While this may sound like a particularly hellish scenario in a corporate office, it is in fact the reality of the beleaguered babus who suddenly find themselves in the middle of the Modi sarkar.

In a video on his YouTube channel that was aired on 25 April 2014, in response to a question on life beyond politics, Prime Minister Modi said, “My work never ends. I am a workaholic. Other than sleeping and eating, I spend all my time working for the people…. To me I am a worshipper and the people are my god.”