REWARI (HARYANA): Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed the Centre for mishandling the border troubles with Pakistan and China, while strongly defending the role of Army and calling it a "symbol of secularism".

Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen here, Modi slammed defence minister AK Antony's statement on LoC attacks and blamed the Centre for the repeated Chinese incursions in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Unless there is a determined government at the Centre, these incidents will continue," the Gujarat chief minister and BJP's prime ministerial candidate said.

Recalling the NDA government’s achievement at keeping Pakistan at bay, Modi said the then foreign policy assured that Pakistan was isolated in the world.

Modi then went on to target Bihar minister for disrespecting martyred jawans, who were killed in firing by Pakistan army at the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir.

Bihar rural works and panchayati raj minister Bhim Singh had said "people join army or police for sahadat (martyrdom).” Singh later had apologized for his remark.

Modi started his speech heaping praise on the Army and paying rich tributes to the soldiers for their sacrifice and contribution.

"I salute the courage and sacrifices made by our brave soldiers," Modi said.

Sharing a childhood anecdote of how he wanted to join the Sainik school at the age of four, the Gujarat chief minister said he shared a special feeling for the country's armed forces.

“I regret not being able to study in Sainik School,” Modi said.

"I am happier today (coming to this rally) in the presence of ex-servicemen than I was on the day I was anointed BJP’s PM candidate," he added.

He narrated the role played by ex-servicemen in Gujarat in stopping the cases of power theft.

Modi then went on to congratulate the scientists for the successful launch of Agni-V missile.

"I thank all the scientists responsible for the successful test launch of nuclear capable Agni-V missile," Modi said.

He thanked the armed forces for their role in relief work during the Gujarat earthquake.

"I cannot forget the work army jawans did in the aftermath of the devastating 2001 earthquake in Gujarat," Modi said.

Earlier, the Gujarat chief minister got a rousing welcome as he arrived here to address his first rally after being named the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.

Thousands gathered for the rally clapped and waved as the Gujarat chief minister, after flying in from New Delhi in a helicopter, took to the dais.

Also on the dais was former Army chief VK Singh along with a number of retired senior military officers. Modi was declared the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate on Friday.

