In his first interview on the first day of the new year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that his party will not bring an ordinance on the issue of Ram Mandir while the matter is being heard in the Supreme Court.

In an exclusive interview with ANI

, he played down Urjit Patel's resignation as Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) governor, says there is no question of political pressure and he did a good job as central bank chief.

Watch the full interview of Narendra Modi here

Patel stepped down from his post on December 11 citing personal reasons. His resignation comes amid an unprecedented rift with the centre over matters related to the central bank's independence.

Edited excerpts from the Prime Minister's interview to ANI:

Urjit Patel

He himself requested (to resign) on personal reasons. I am revealing for the first time, he was telling me about it (the resignation) for the past 6-7 months. He gave it even in writing. No question of political pressure. He did a good job as RBI governor.

Demonetisation

The demonetisation wasn’t a jhatka (jolt). We had warned people a year before, that if you have such wealth (black money), you can deposit it, pay penalties and you will be helped out. However, they thought Modi too would behave like others so very few came forward voluntarily.

GST

The way someone thinks is the way someone talks. Have GST processes not been done taking a consensus with all political parties in the country? Since Pranab Mukherjee was FM, the GST process has been going on.

GST slabs

Government in favour of bringing construction related material in 5 percent GST slab.

Economic Offenders

Those who fled during this government, they will be brought back, today or tomorrow. Diplomatic channels, legal courses and seizure of properties being done. Those who have stolen India’s money, they will have to compensate for each and every penny.

Loan Waivers

To say a lie and mislead, that is what I called lollipop. Like saying 'we have waived all farm loans'. The truth is that nothing like that has happened. Please see their own circulars, they should not mislead.

Ram Temple Dispute

Ordinance on Ram Mandir can be considered only after the judicial process gets over. After the judicial process is over, whatever will be our responsibility as the government, we are ready to make all efforts. Judicial process was being slowed down because Congress lawyers were creating “obstacles” in the Supreme Court. A solution would be found to this issue under the ambit of the constitution

Pakistan

Ek ladai se Pakistan sudhar jayega, yeh sochna bohot badi ghalti hogi. Pakistan ko sudharne mein abhi aur samay lagega (Pakistan will mend its ways after fight is a mistake. It’ll take time for Pakistan to mend its ways).

Ayushman Bharat

The poor are (being) given insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. A large of people were suffering (for want of healthcare), today they have got treatment. How can I consider this a failure?

Sabarimala

India is of one opinion that everyone should get justice. There are some temples, which have their own traditions, where men can’t go. And men don’t go... In this, Sabarimala, a woman judge in the Supreme Court has made certain observations. It needs to be read minutely. There is no need to attribute those to any political party. As a woman, she has made some suggestions. There should be a debate on that as well sometimes.

Triple Talaq Bill

The triple talaq ordinance was brought after the Supreme Court verdict. We have said in our BJP manifesto that a solution would be found to this issue under the constitution. Most Islamic countries have banned triple talaq. So, it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, triple talaq is banned. So it is an issue of gender equality, matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith. So keep the two separate.

Surgical Strikes

I gave clear orders that whether you get success or failure, don’t think about that but come back before sunrise. Don’t fall for the lure and prolong it (the operation). He turned a bit emotional while discussing that operation.

Doklam

India should be judged on the basis of its response in Doklam. And nothing has happened with India that can be considered as deceit, but our principled position has been that we want friendly relations with neighbours.

Rafale deal

I have spoken on the issue in parliament and in various public meetings. Supreme Court has given their views and the French President has also spoken. Congress has weakened the armed forces.

Mob lynching

I condemn mob lynching. No instance of violence is acceptable to us. Even one incident is condemnable. What has happened in West Bengal. A political party (the BJP) is being denied a basic democratic right. Our workers are brutally killed in West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka. Politics of violence has to end. All parties have to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful politics.