On govt anniversary, Modi sets tone for ’19

SAAF NIYAT, SAHI VIKAS Fight is with anarchist oppn, says Jaitley

NEWDELHI: On the fourth anniversary of his taking over as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Saturday blew the bugle for the 2019 general election, which finance minister Arun Jaitley said would be a fight between Modi and an “anarchist combination” of opposition parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Partyled National Democratic Alliance’s slogan for the occasion was “Desh Ka Badhta Jaata Vishwas…saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas” (the nation’s rising confidence… clean intent, right development.”) The main opposition Congress observed it as Vishwasghaat Diwas (betrayal day), citing poll promises it said hadn’t been kept by the government.

“Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India’s growth trajectory. 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights!,” Modi said in one of a series of tweets.

“I bow to my fellow citizens for their unwavering faith in our government,” he wrote in another post. “This support and affection is the biggest source of motivation and strength for the entire Government. We will continue to serve the people of India with the same vigour and dedica- tion,” he wrote, pledging to build a ”New India” and to always put “India First”.

Under Modi, the BJP in 2014 became the first political party to win a majority on its own in 30 years, promising “acche din” (good days) and an end to corruption that tainted the previous regime of the Congress-led UPA. It controls 20 of India’s 29 states, a testament to Modi’s vote-catching ability.

Yet, the ruling party faces a tough electoral test this year in Hindi heartland states it controls such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, leading up to next year’s general election. In assembly elections this month in Karnataka, the BJP won 104 seats out of 222 to emerge as the largest party in the House, but failed to demonstrate a majority.

Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India’s growth trajectory. NARENDRA MODI, PM