Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: Narendra Modi who will resign as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on Wednesday, said that he was sad on quitting as MLA but the people of Maninagar were happy that he had become the Prime Minister of India.
He posted on the micro-blogging site Twitter - I am sad on quitting as MLA but people of Maninagar are happy. Infact, when I won in 2012 they said PM PM. Their affection is touching.”
I am sad on quitting as MLA but people of Maninagar are happy! Infact, when I won in 2012 they said PM PM. Their affection is touching.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2014
After a wonderful day in Delhi landed to a very warm welcome in Gujarat & addressed people of Maninagar, my Assembly seat for over a decade.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2014
Modi reached Gujarat on Tuesday evening after addressing the newly elected MPs of BJP and its allies in the central hall of Parliament. After his address, he went to meet the President Pranab Mukherjee. This was after a delegation of 15 members of NDA, led by BJP president Rajnath Singh had called on the President and handed over a letter stating that Modi has been elected as leader of BJP parliamentary party.
A grand welcome was given to Narendra Modi and his aide Amit Shah when they arrived at Ahmedabad. In his short speech at the airport, Modi thanked party workers for the grand welcome and said that he has got a new opportunity to serve the country.
"Now, our responsibility is too big and we have to realise the dreams of common people. Gujarat will carry on its developmental journey, as the state has created an institutional framework conducive for development. We have to ensure that country progresses faster than what we achieved in Gujarat," Modi said.
"The Gujarat experience will help me achieve the target," Modi told his party workers.
"I am full of confidence that India can never fail. If 125 crore people of this country pledge for development, we can compete with richer countries of the world," Modi said.
Later he addressed people of Maninagar, the constituency from where he fought the 2012 state elections. He thanked them for their support.
"It has never happened in the history that an MLA has been given farewell. Usually, MLAs are thrown out by people (in elections) but organising a function (farewell) is never considered," Modi said at a public meet in Maninagar, which is part of Ahmedabad city.
"Today, I came in a new role before you. Maninagar has ensured my victory three times and that too with more than 75 percent votes," added Modi.
"I remember when I came here during 2012 Assembly election campaign, you people were shouting `PM PM`. I then tried to make you understand that this election is for CM and not for PM. But the voice of masses is final," Modi also said.
"I have to submit my resignation (from Maninagar) very soon. I will ensure you people get a better MLA than me," the BJP leader told the people.
Modi had won from Maninagar Assembly constituency by over 86,373 votes trouncing Congress rival Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in December 2012 Gujarat elections.
With PTI inputs
