Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Sunday and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue near Ahmedabad Airport. After addressing a gathering, PM Modi proceeded to Gandhinagar and visited his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence, and sought her blessings.
He was accompanied by BJP President Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, among others.
Speaking at a function following the Lok Sabha election victory, which was kept simple and shorn of pomp because of the Surat fire tragedy, PM Modi said:
- "Since yesterday, I was in dilemma whether to attend the programme or not. One side it was 'kartavya' & on other side it was 'karuna.' Families who lost their children, lost their future. I pray that god gives power to the families of those children"
- "I was in constant contact with the state govt regarding the incident"
- "This election many pundits failed, after 6th phase of polling I had said that we will get 300 plus seats. Many people made fun of me"
- "Next five years will be very important in the history of the country, as was the period between 1942 to 1947"
- "Next five years will be the time to regain the rightful position of India in the world order. In the past our country had that place. I am sure India will regain its importance in the world order"
Modi, who will be sworn in for the second term as Prime Minister on May 30, is visiting the state today to seek the blessings of his mother Heeraben Modi.
Along with Shah, the Prime Minister will take part in a public felicitation event being organised to mark the euphoric mandate of BJP under their leadership.
Earlier, BJP's Gujarat unit president Jitu Vaghani had said that Modi and Shah will not receive a grand welcome on Sunday owing to the Surat fire tragedy which claimed the lives of 20 people.
Modi is scheduled to visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi tomorrow.
Also read: Modi to be sworn in as PM on May 30
