New Delhi: Even as Congress claimed that Saturday’s mandate meant that India doesn’t want to be ruled by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, the Prime Minister hailed the people of this country for giving BJP and NDA the chance to form the government for a third time.
Starting his victory speech at the BJP headquarters with ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ and ‘Jai Jagannath’, Modi said he was deeply indebted to the people as this will be the first time after six decades that a government will be in power for third consecutive term.
“On this sacred day, it is confirmed that NDA is forming govt for the third time. We are grateful to the people… There are many aspects of this mandate. After 1962, it is the first time that a government has returned to power for the third consecutive time after completing its two tenures,” Modi said.
“People have placed their faith in NDA for a third consecutive time. This is a historical feat in India’s history,” Modi tweeted before delivering his speech in front of party leaders and workers.
“I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts,” Modi said.
Pointing out BJP and NDA’s success in several Indian states, Modi especially highlighted BJP’s stunning Assembly election victory in Odisha.
“For the first time, there will be a BJP chief minister in Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s land,” he said proudly.
BJP is close to gaining simple majority in Odisha as it is ahead in 78 seats (won 52, leading in 26 till 9 pm) in the 147-member state Assembly. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on the other hand, has won 39 seats and leading in 12.
Modi reminded those who were rejoicing at BJP and NDA’s relatively underwhelming performance that INDIA bloc’s total number (around 232) is less than what BJP is winning alone (around 242).
