CAG should not be used for political bickering, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi says; thanks opposition as he resigns from Gujarat Assembly

In keeping with his new-found political approach of reaching out to all parties to build consensus as he prepares to take charge of the government, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed the importance of democratic institutions in nation-building.

Referring to the embattled office of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India under the United Progressive Alliance government, Mr. Modi told a special session of the Gujarat Assembly that democratic traditions and constitutional provisions had a lot of importance. “The CAG should not be used as a tool for political bickering. Its reports have remedial measures and the government should take measures to implement them,” he said.

After handing in his resignation to Governor Kamla Beniwal, he attended a meeting of the party legislature where Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel was elected leader. She will replace Mr. Modi and take oath on Thursday at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

Adopting a magnanimous approach towards rivals, Mr. Modi scored a political point by thanking the Opposition for its constructive criticism. He delivered his address after his staunch critic and senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela made a speech laced with sarcasm and humour.

Citing Gujarat as an example of self-functioning systems of governance, Mr. Modi underscored the need to build strong institutions in the country. Ms. Patel was the unanimous choice for the State’s top post. Teary eyed, she thanked Mr. Modi and the party for entrusting the responsibility to her.