Buoyed by positive results in assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that people of Maharashtra and Haryana had reposed faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) even before the arrival of Diwali this year.
At the BJP headquarters in Delhi, the PM arrived in his car, already showered with rose petals, and flashed victory sign towards the camera before taking to the platform from where barely a few months ago he had delivered the victory speech after saffron party's stellar show in the Lok Sabha polls.
Starting his address with "Bharat Mata ki Jai" chants, the prime minister said the electorate trusted the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra and Manohar Lal Khattar in Haryana.
"Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Lal were first-time chief ministers. They did not even have the experience as ministers. And for 5 years, they kept working for people's welfare and as a result, people have again put their faith in them," he said.
For the first time, a CM completed a full term in Maharashtra, he said, adding "political stability" was essential for a state like that.
Taking the Opposition to the task, the prime minister said the states ruled by opposition parties were busy renaming central schemes, while BJP dispensations were working to implement them seamlessly.
The Prime Minister further added the victory in Haryana was exceptional, for the state had seen fewer instances of a party returning to power after completing a five-year term.]]
Before concluding his address, Modi said he would like to convey his wishes to Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Lal Khattar's team. "I want to thank people of the country for this gift. I hope Diwali brings new light and energy into your lives," he said.
Earlier, BJP President Amit Shah said that both Haryana and Maharashtra weren't traditionally BJP bastion and yet the party was able to secure back to back victories in the two states.
"In Maharashtra, BJP-Shiv Sena combine is going to form the government once again with the majority. In Haryana, we have seen a 3% increase in our vote share since the last time and we have emerged as the largest party there, I thank the people for this," Shah said.
According to latest results, the BJP had won 79 seats and leading on 24 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena had emerged victorious in 47 seats and was ahead on 9 seats. The Congress-NCP combine, on the other hand, has won 75 seats, while its candidates were ahead in 25 seats.
In Haryana, BJP won 33 seats and is leading in 7 seats. Congress is on the second spot, winning 29 seats and leading on 2. The fledgeling Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has won 10 seats, followed by 7 Independents.
(With Inputs from agencies)
