india

Updated: Jun 10, 2019 08:14 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a veiled dig at Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying the top opposition leader could not still come out of the impact of election results which showed “weakness.”

The Prime Minister asserted that his party-led government would further accelerate work for the betterment of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu people though the BJP could not win Lok Sabha polls in these two States.

“Given the huge mandate we got, some people think expectations and aspirations (on the government) have increased.

They also wonder what can Modi do. We should see it as India’s fortune and a great opportunity. I see it as a guarantee for a brighter India,” he said.

Modi addressed a thanks-giving public meeting organized by the Andhra Pradesh BJP at Renigunta near here.

Apparently taking potshots at Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments in Wayanad that Modi’s election campaign was filled with “lies, poison and hatred”, the Prime Minister remarked that some people could not still come out of the impact of election results.

“That is their weakness. For us the chapter of elections has ended. A new chapter of serving the 130 crore people of the country has opened for us,” Modi said.

Noting that strong governments were formed at the Centre as well as in Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister wished the state would surge ahead on the development path under the leadership of Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

“AP has infinite possibilities for growth. We will fully extend all co-operation from the Centre for the development of the state,” the Prime Minister assured.

Modi made a special mention of Tamil Nadu, along with AP, thanking people of the two states for playing a crucial role in strengthening democracy.

“Whether or not we secured victory here, our objective always is to serve the people.

We (BJP) are a dedicated system of workers and I am a part of it. Even after the elections, we will not lower our efforts to ensure happiness of people and betterment of their lives.

We will increase our efforts in this regard at the Centre and will especially show it in AP and Tamil Nadu,” he said.

The Prime Minister said he has confidence in 130 crore Indians.

“With their contribution and support, I am confident we can give a new direction to the country,” he said.

Two good occasions beckoned the country in the near future, Modi pointed out, referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in October 2019 and the 75th anniversary of the nation’s Independence in 2022.

“These are two important occasions that could be inspirational, which the country should not miss.

They give us a chance to recall the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and take a pledge for doing something for the country,” he said.

He sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara to realise the dreams of 130 crore people of India and said States and the Centre should work together towards this and create a New India.

“When we dream of a New India, we also wish that every state also should progress in the same manner. Only then can we build a New India. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, jisme raajyom ka bhi saath, jan saamanya ka bhi saath.

Jan saamanya ka vikas, rajyom ka vikas. We are moving ahead with that determination towards making this a reality,” Modi said.

“If that happens, I am sure, we will succeed in the right earnest and prosper,” the Prime Minister added.

Observing that winning elections was the aim only in the electoral battlefield, the Prime Minister said winning people’s hearts should be the constant endeavour, “all 365 days a year.” The government, Modi pointed out, should be useful only for building the nation and not the party.

“This is not our nature, nor are we used to it. In the last five years, people have seen a government that is solely committed to the welfare of Bharat Mata.

Hence, they gave us a renewed mandate to serve them for the second time,” he added.