I SALUTE CONSTITUTION-MAKERS- MODI

I SALUTE CONSTITUTION-MAKERS- MODI

“Respected Advaniji, our national president Rajnath ji and all chief ministers of Bharatiya Janata Party and newly elected members, I am grateful to all of you for having unanimously given me a new responsibility. I am thankful and grateful, particularly to Advaniji and Rajnathji as they have given me blessings. “I was thinking of Atalji’s health. Had his health been good, he would have been with us today and his presence would have completed this moment. His blessings are with us and will be with us in future.“We are here in the temple of democracy. We will work with all purity... not for posts but for the people of the country. Work and responsibility are the biggest things. I accept the responsibility you have reposed in me.

“For me, post is not important, I have not considered that post is important in life but, in my view, responsibility is the bigger thing. We will have to dedicate ourselves to fulfil this responsibility. In last September 13, BJP parliamentary board gave a responsibility to me and from September 15, I started my work and with full sense of responsibility of a worker. The ‘ parishram yagya ’ which I began at that time and when the campaigning ended on May 10, I rang up my president and wanted to meet him before going to Ahmedebad. He asked if I was not tired and needed a break but I insisted on reporting to him as the responsibility given to me had been completed on May 10.

“And like a disciplined solider I reported to my president that from Sept 13 to May 10, I have tried to fulfil my responsibility to the best of my ability. In this campaign, I had to cancel only one event and that too in Ghosi, where our district president had died suddenly. And I told him that as a loyal and committed worker, I am reporting to you on this sacred land. Whatever was given to me, I have tried to do and fulfil the role of a party worker.

“After I became Chief Minister, I saw the chief minister’s chamber for the first time. Today also, it is the same situation as I have come to this historic Central Hall for the first time.

“I salute all freedom-fighters and also salute the Constitution-makers of our country as because of them, the world is witnessing the power of democracy. When global leaders called me, I told them about the millions of voters of India. They were surprised. It is the power of our Constitution that a poor person belonging to a poor and deprived family is standing here today. This is the power of our Constitution and hallmark of our democratic elections that a common citizen can also reach this height. The BJP’s victory and somebody else’s loss is a point for debate later. Citizens have realised that this democratic setup can fulfil their aspirations. Their faith in democracy has strengthened further.”

“The Government is one which thinks about the poor, listens to the poor and which who lives for the poor. Therefore, the new government is dedicated to the poor, millions of youth and mothers and daughters who are striving for their respect and honour. Village, farmers, dalits and the oppressed — this government is for them, for their aspirations and this is our responsibility. And this is our responsibility. I have seen new facets of our country in my campaign. I have seen people who had only one piece of clothing on their body but had the BJP’s flag. This section is looking at us with hope and aspirations. And therefore, our dream is to fulfil their dreams.

“Advani ji used a certain word. I would urge Advani ji not to use that word. He said that Narendra Bhai has done him kripa [magnanimity] (there is a short pause as he fights back tears).

“Please don’t use this word. Can a son ever do his mother kripa ? It can never be. Just as India is my mother, the BJP is also my mother. A son can never do kripa , he can only dedicatedly serve his mother. Kripa is done by the party, it has done me the favour of giving me an opportunity to serve it.

“Various governments in the past tried to do some good work in their own way for which they deserve appreciation. Whatever good has happened, we will carry it forward. We will give something to the country. People should not become pessimistic. I have not seen the television or followed the media. Everyone has been analysing this verdict… people have voted for hope. This verdict is one of hope. A new hope has arisen in the common man. This is the biggest significance of this election results.“But by giving BJP an absolute majority they have voted for hope and trust. People have voted for hope and faith and I will do everything to fulfil their aspirations. There should be no room for pessimism and because with pessimism nothing can be achieved. The government’s motto will be to take everyone along and work for everyone’s development. This is the time for new hope and strength.“An era of responsibility has begun. In 2019, I will meet the MPs again with a report card. My government is not for myself but for the country. The government is for the poor and we want to do something for them.“I will strive at my best to fulfil the responsibility you have reposed in me. You will never have to look down on the work I will do.

Prof. John Kurakar