END OF A PILGRIMAGE, SAYS PM AS NDA GETS INTO FESTIVE MODE
The BJP on Tuesday plunged into celebrations in anticipation of a grand victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The media was, however, kept at bay, with a stern notice of "photo opportunity only" to camera persons.
The first meeting saw all Union ministers led by PM Narendra Modi converging in the evening at the BJP headquarters, which was decked up with lights.
The ‘Aabhar Milan’ was convened by BJP President Amit Shah to thank the ministers for what was euphemistically described as ‘‘their service to the nation’’.
Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda and Prakash Javadekar were among the key leaders at the meeting. Ministers
conspicuous by their absence were External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
At the meeting, PM Modi likened his campaign to a pilgrimage, saying it stood out from other polls as it was being fought by the people and not the party alone. "I have seen many elections but this one was beyond politics. The public was fighting this one. I have campaigned in assembly elections and undertaken political tours for the party in different elections. But when I toured this time, it seemed that I was on a pilgrimage," the prime minister was quoted as saying.
The Prime Minister also observed that one aspect that touched his soul is that the entire public is preparing for some kind of an awakening. He felt as if the masses were readily making sacrifice for a 'yagya’.