New Delhi, May 21 – After Narendra Modi was unanimously elected the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party by the newly-elected Lok Sabha members and those of Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, he spoke for 30 minutes at the historic Central Hall of Parliament. Here is what he said:
1. Time for optimism:
“A new hope has arisen in the common man. This is the biggest significance of this election results. At the end of the day for whom is the government? It is for the poor. The new government will dedicate itself for the poor, crores and crores of youth and for the safety and security of the mothers and sisters, those in the rural areas, oppressed and the deprived.”
“There should be no room for pessimism and because with pessimism nothing can be achieved.” Recollecting an earlier speech of his, Modi said his government’s motto will be with everyone and for everyone’s development. “This is the time for new hope and strength. The country has huge potential. If all countrymen take one step, the nation can move forward by 125 crore steps.”
2. Verdict for BJP, not against Congress:
“If it had been a hung or a fractured verdict then one can say that people had vented their anger against the government and that it was anti-establishment. But by giving BJP an absolute majority they have voted for hope and trust. People have voted for hope and faith. And I will do everything to fulfill their aspirations.”
3. All previous government worked, so will we:
Modi also took the opportunity to praise the work of the past governments, saying every government and its leaders have contributed to the welfare of the country and we will carry forward whatever good they have done. “I will strive my best to fulfill the responsibility you have reposed in me. You will never have to look down on the work it will do.”
4. Missing Vajpayee:
Invoking former PM and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said it would have been an icing on the cake had the ailing leader been present among them on Tuesday.
5. Favour has been done by party:
Modi broke down when he referred to senior leader L K Advani’s mention that he had done favour (kripa) to the party by taking up the responsibility. “Can serving the mother be a favour? A son is only dedicated to serve the mother… The favour has been done by the party,” he said. Referring to his humble background, Modi said it was an ode to Indian democracy and its founding fathers that he was standing there, all set to be the new PM.
-INDIA TODAY
