Stating that people have voted “for hope and faith,” Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated his Government’s efforts to the uplift of the “poor,” “crores of youths,” “security and safety of women” and for the “oppressed and deprived” in the country.
Delivering his speech in the Central Hall of Parliament after being elected as leader of BJP Parliamentary Party, Modi, 63, said the recent election result had increased the people’s faith in democracy and there is a “new hope” among people that this dispensation can fulfill their aspirations.
“At the end of the day, who does the Government belong toIJ It is for the poor,” he said.
“The new Government will dedicate itself to the poor, crores and crores of youth and for the safety and security of mothers and sisters, those in rural areas, oppressed and the deprived,” he said in his 30-minute address.
Referring to the nature of the verdict, he said if it had been a hung or a fractured verdict then one could say that the people had vented their anger against the Government and that it was anti-establishment vote.
“By giving the BJP an absolute majority they have voted for hope and trust. People have voted for hope and faith. And I will do everything to fulfill their aspirations,” he said, adding that he is a man full of optimism.
“I want to assure the people of the country that there is no need for pessimism going by the past bad experience...I am a very optimistic man and only an optimistic man can bring optimism to the country.”
“I will try to live up to the expectations of the people. This is the time for new hope and strength,” he said and promised to present a report card to the people in 2019.
Recollecting an earlier speech of his, he said his Government’s motto will be “with everyone and for everyone’s development.”
Modi said in 2019 he 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,” he said.
“I will strive to fulfill to the best of my ability the responsibility and faith you have reposed in me,” he added.
Modi also took the opportunity to praise the work of past Governments, saying all Governments and leaders have contributed to the welfare of the country and we will carry forward whatever good they have done.
“The country has huge potential. If all countrymen take one step, the nation can move forward by 125 crore steps,” he said.
He asked party MPs to work with all purity not for designations but for the people of the country. “We are here in the temple of democracy. We will work with all purity... not for the designation but the people of the country. Work and responsibility are the biggest things.”