Delhi polls 2015: PM Narendra Modi seeks votes for BJP, promises basic amenities to people

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sought votes for BJP for the Delhi assembly polls highlighting the achievements of his 8-month old government, including the reduction in prices of commodities like petrol and diesel.

Addressing his second consecutive public meeting in two days, the PM donned the hat of a seasoned poll campaigner and promised basic amenities and overall development. While he assured a “responsible and empathetic” government for Delhi, Modi promised the thousands of people gathered at the rally that water and electricity supply would be the priority. He said high-rise houses would replace the jhuggi-jhopris by 2022, to commemorate 75 years of Independence.

Modi said the “rivals”, particularly the Congress, say prices have come down just because he is “lucky”. “Do you want a lucky person or someone who is less lucky?” he asked. “Ok, let’s accept that I am lucky but you have saved money. If Modi’s luck is benefitting the people, what can be more fortunate? If because of my good luck, prices of petrol and diesel get reduced and common man saves more, then what is need for bringing someone who is unlucky?” he said.

Taking on both AAP and Congress, Modi said they “forge friendship behind the curtains” to form a government, referring to their alliance last year”. However, as soon as polls were declared, they start competing each other in spreading lies that could lead to sensation and give them some space in the media,” he added. Targeting AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, he asked people whether they want development or ‘dharnas’.

Modi also did not shy from identifying himself as man from Poorvanchal in the Dwarka constituency where the meting was held. It has a large population from the Poorvanchal region. “A person from Poorvanchal is the PM. People of Varanasi have voted me to Parliament and blessed me,” he said.

“Running a government is a serious task... Governments cannot be run by getting space in the media but getting a space in the hearts of people,” he said, adding that he has now some right over the Capital as he has been living here for eight months.

“Please give me a chance to pay back your love with interest by bringing in development for all... I want to ensure development of Delhi,” he said, adding, “For us, people are our high command.” Talking about the party’s CM candidate Kiran Bedi, Modi said she will take care of all problems, including traffic issues, that the Capital is facing as she is one who has devoted most of her life to Delhi. He underlined that if a BJP government is formed in Delhi, its CM will have the “fear of Modi” and perform.