In his first major rally here after becoming the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi laid down his vision for the country for the next decade, and the 2014 elections by saying people should replace the “dirty team with a dream team”.
Before exhorting people to trust the BJP to always living upto their expectations, Modi talked about his humble origins after becoming the party’s choice for the next elections. “I want to tell you about myself. It is the magnanimity of the party and workers that a boy who used to sell tea in trains has come before you,” Modi told the packed venue.
Known for his oratorical skills, he paused for 30 seconds for the appreciative audience to chant his name to the deafening levels.
“I am not a ruler, never been or would be. I am a servant who would always serve the people. You look for my work, I assure you that Narendra Modi or the BJP would never breach your confidence. We will work for the future, fight for it, and if needed, be consumed by it.”
Modi’s self-portrayal of being of humble origins was in contrast to the picture of shahzada (crown prince) Rahul Gandhi and weak Prime Minister he painted in his 60-minute speech.
The country’s only religion is nation first and India first, and the only book is the Constitution, the only worship is the welfare of 125 crore people. When the country celebrates its 75 years of Independence (in 2022), dreams of poor people to own a house, welfare for people, Dalits, oppressed, tribals, and everyone will get their due, Modi said. In his speech, the BJP leader gave example of how countries like China and Korea had left India behind. “The only achievement the UPA Government talks about is of collective work done by the states. If we talk about departments under the Centre like the Railways, the progress is tardy.
“Since 1980, the Railways has built merely 3,000 km of tracks, but China, since 1980, has added 11,000 km of new tracks. During the six years of the National Democratic Alliance regime, we added 24,000 km, but during the last nine years of the UPA, only 9,000 km have been added. He said there was no special vision required, but all that was needed was intention, strength and resolve.