I am not a Shahenshah or an imperious ruler: Narendra Modi on personal security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is "not a Shahenshah or an imperious ruler" unaffected by the warmth of the people, that is why he often gets down from his vehicle to interact with them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is "not a Shahenshah or an imperious ruler" unaffected by the warmth of the people, that is why he often gets down from his vehicle to interact with them. He said he gains strength from his interactions with the public. The prime minister, in an interview to Swarajya, an online magazine, said he cannot remain seated in his car and ignore people out on the streets who come to greet and welcome him. "I am not a Shahenshah or an imperious ruler who is unaffected by their warmth. Being among people gives me lot of strength, " Modi said. "Whenever I am travelling, I see that a lot of people, from all age groups and sections of society, are out on the streets to greet me and welcome me. I can't just remain seated in my car, aloof from their display of affection and care. That is why I invariably get down and greet, interact with people as much as I can," he said. The Home Ministry has recently reviewed the security of PM Modi in the wake of reports of an assassination plot against him by the Maoists. Officials said there was "an all time high" threat to the prime minister and described him as the "most valuable target" in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.