JOIN USBJP will get full majority, says Modi in first presser
In his first and surprise appearance at a press conference since taking over the top post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exuded confidence in the BJP coming back to power with full majority on its own and "making a history". However, he deftly refused to take any questions.
On the other hand, BJP president Amit Shah, who shared the dais with Modi, said his party will get over 300 seats and "remain open for the other parties" willing to become partners in the new government.
Replying to a question posed to the Prime Minister on the controversial Rafale deal, Shah said it was not necessary for the prime minister to answer every question and that the question on the fighter jet deal with France was "baseless".
"Mitron, hum to ek disciplined soldier hain. Adhyaksh ji hi hamare sab kutch hote hain. (Friends, I am just a disciplined soldier. Party president is everything to me),” Modi said to a question on Pragya Singh Thakur's controversial Gandhi-Godse remarks.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi later took potshots at Modi over his appearance at the press conference held at the BJP headquarters here.
"Congratulations Modi Ji. Excellent Press Conference! Showing up is half the battle. Next time Mr Shah may even allow you to answer a couple of questions. Well done!" Gandhi tweeted.
Modi has been facing criticism from the Congress and other Opposition parties for not addressing any press conference since he became the prime minister.
Shah answered all the questions at the press conference after Modi addressed media.
"BJP will have enough seats to form a government on its own. We will get more than 300 seats. This election is to choose the country's Prime Minister. NDA is going to form its government with absolute majority. Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister," he told reporters.
Shah said that the performance of the Modi government and "ground reports" on polling reaching him from various sources formed the basis for his confidence in the NDA coming back to power for the second consecutive term registering a thumping victory in the Lok Sabha elections once again.
While Shah shared details on his party's poll campaign across all levels, Modi said his party had prepared "a meticulous plan" for the elections.
Targetting the Opposition, Modi said before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, either "certain circumstances" or "family traditions" led to the formation of governments.
"If at all any occasion came when the government was actually formed on the basis of the people's mandate, it was the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the elections being held this year. The journey for an honest government started on May 17, 2014, a day after the Lok Sabha elections results were announced. On May 17 last year, those who are power hungry, suffered a major setback with my presence," Modi added.
Asserting that the NDA would win this election, Modi said his party has made a lot of promises in its poll manifesto. "As soon as possible, the new government will start its work. We will move forward taking one decision after another."