Modi's ministers vow to work for development, welfare of poor

Ministers in the Narendra Modi government today vowed to work for the country's development and welfare of the poor, though most of them remained tight-lipped about portfolio allotment.

"The government will work for development and welfare of the poor, and under Modi's leadership it will take the country's GDP above 8 per cent," Cabinet minister and former BJP president Nitin Gadkari said.

He hinted that he might be entrusted with ministries related to Road Transport, Highways and Ports.

"The responsibility that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given to me, I am grateful for that... The work related to Surface Transport, Highways and Ports... I have experience in this field working in Maharashtra," Gadkari told a TV news channel.

Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete, who took oath as a cabinet minister, said there will be more representation of his party in the government when the Prime Minister expands his Council of Ministers after a month.

Harsimrat Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said, "We will work for the country's development so that the conditions improve, and to meet the aspirations of the people."

Senior BJP leader and Minister of State with Independent Charge Prakash Javdekar said all the ministers would work as a team.

The oldest member of the cabinet, Najma Heptullah who is likely to get the Minority Affairs portfolio, in response to a question said, "Modi is reaching out to the minorities not as minorities, he is reaching out to those who are backward... and his slogan is development for all."

Asked about the likely portfolio he will get, cabinet minister Sadananda Gowda said, "I don't know", and added, "Whatever responsibility is given, it will be fulfilled."

The youngest minister in the cabinet, Smriti Irani, expressed her gratitude to Modi for giving her the important responsibility and promised to live up to the honour.