New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) American singer and actress Mary Millben, who has frequently expressed her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, is "not the ideal candidate to guide India".

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Millben commended Modi's leadership while criticizing Gandhi for "speaking unfavorably about India while spending a significant amount of time overseas."

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: You commended PM Modi in your tweet and criticized Rahul Gandhi. You remarked, "return to your 'I hate India tour'" and questioned his ability to lead the nation. Do you think he's capable?

Mary Millben: "I do not think he is the right person to lead India. This has already been demonstrated as Prime Minister Modi has triumphed, challenged Rahul Gandhi, and has been re-elected. The power of people's votes is similar in both the United States and India. Citizens have responded three times affirmatively, indicating that Prime Minister Modi is the best leader for India.

Rahul Gandhi's own decisions indicate that he is unsuitable to lead India. He dedicates the majority of his time traveling globally and often speaks negatively about his own nation. One cannot perpetually criticize the country and its populace while expecting to be elected or regarded as a favored leader. He travels to the United States frequently, and every time he visits, he disparages India and Prime Minister Modi. I fail to comprehend how someone can aspire to lead a country they consistently criticize."

IANS: Congress leaders and supporters have been attacking you for backing Prime Minister Modi and criticizing Rahul Gandhi. What is your response?

Mary Millben: My team informed me that there has been substantial discourse regarding my statements about Mr. Gandhi. I would reiterate what I said; he is not the right leader for India. He spends most of his time traveling the world and speaking negatively about India. I have publicly stated this numerous times. How can one expect to be elected or favored by the people if they constantly criticize the country and the people they claim to serve?

Every time he comes to the United States, he speaks poorly of India and the Prime Minister. I simply did not appreciate how Mr. Gandhi portrayed both Prime Minister Modi and my President, Donald Trump.

IANS: What are your thoughts on Operation Sindoor and PM Modi's handling of the aftermath of the terrorist attack?

Mary Millben: "I have certainly stated this publicly, but I want to emphasize it again because the loss of life and the families that are undoubtedly still grieving will unfortunately never fade. While the news cycles may move on, the families affected have not, and will not. I extend my condolences again to those families who lost loved ones in that horrific terrorist attack. We are witnessing an escalation of conflict worldwide, and I hope that more leaders like Prime Minister Modi and certainly President Trump, whose leadership has facilitated several peace agreements recently, take a more active role in reducing conflict and fostering peace in many regions. I applaud the Prime Minister for his leadership, including the sacrifices made to bring peace to the area following that tragic terrorist attack. I commend the Prime Minister's courageous leadership in defending India and continuing to protect India..."

IANS: How has India under Prime Minister Modi been managing the US tariff issue?

Mary Millben: I know that is part of his (President Trump's) diplomacy concerning tariffs in India and globally. Prime Minister Modi always prioritizes India. His diplomatic approach aligns with negotiations with the United States. However, I will say that I commend PM Modi. If I'm honest, I was not very pleased with how the Trump administration was excessively aggressive towards PM Modi, almost to the point of bullying him into negotiations. I did not appreciate that method.

IANS: Regarding the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, what is your perspective on the political landscape and leadership?

Mary Millben: I am certainly supportive of Mr. (Nitish) Kumar and his leadership now, and how his contributions and position have aided the success of the Prime Minister and the BJP. I hope to witness great success for the Prime Minister's agenda in Bihar. I look forward to visiting Bihar when I come... There's also a young girl (Maithili Thakur) who has entered politics, and I was thrilled to learn about her. I admire her singing and artistry. It's wonderful that she has dedicated so much of her life at a young age to preserving traditional music and the sounds of India. I wish her all the best."

IANS: You've performed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed your admiration for India. What resonates with you about India?

Mary Millben: It is well-known that I love India and cherish the Indian people and communities worldwide. Since my introduction to India at a high level through music, and certainly through my advocacy for pro-India policies and for Prime Minister Modi, I feel fortunate to now consider India and its people a part of my heart, not only for the music and culture but for the shared values... Growing up, we had a remarkable woman of Indian origin, Smita Patil, who helped care for us while my mother was busy as a pastor. She became like a big sister and immersed us in Indian culture, cuisine, and even music from a very young age. I credit Smita significantly because she introduced us to many aspects of Indian culture.

IANS: Can you share a memorable moment you had with Prime Minister Modi?

Mary Millben: I have immense respect for PM Modi, who has certainly become a good friend. I would say my most memorable experience was when the Prime Minister visited the United States as a guest... I was invited to attend a Yoga Day at the United Nations in New York with the Prime Minister, Richard Gere, and other attendees. I was honored to be seated very close to, I believe, the head of the UN at that time. We were seated closely together for Yoga Day. I would assert that performing for the Prime Minister was a significant honor, but the most memorable aspect was that day because it was my first time seeing the Prime Minister in a more relaxed environment. It was beautiful to witness him being so kind and engaging with everyone present, especially with the many young individuals in attendance. Observing him participate in yoga was remarkable.

IANS: You have had an incredible career across various genres and performances. What fuels your passion for music?

Mary Millben: My passion for music, you know, that’s an excellent question. It began quite early in life as a woman of faith, as a Christian woman.

I grew up in a deeply religious home; my mother, a single parent raising four children, was involved in ministry for over 20 years and served as a music pastor. We grew up singing in church, so if I'm being honest, my origins didn't start in school but in church. That love for music evolved into a desire to study music in college and eventually pursue a professional singing career. To be candid, this was not my initial choice.