NDA chooses Narendra Modi as its leader

New Delhi: Constituents of 29-party led NDA on Tuesday chose Narendra Modi as its leader hailing him as "strong" personality with "extraordinary capabilities" under whom the country will prosper and attain a major stature in the world.

In his brief acceptance speech, Modi said even though the BJP got a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha polls, NDA allies will be as important for him as they would have been without it.

Gathered in the historic Central Hall of Parliament, leaders of the NDA, including TDP, Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, LJP and Nagaland Peoples' Front, praised Modi stewardship and reposed confidence in him.

TDP chief and former NDA convenor Chandrababu Naidu said under Modi's prime ministership, India will find a place among the world powers with "real competition" being with the US and China.

"In this nation building activity, we are one partner with Narendra Modi. We extend all cooperation for his great job in cleaning the country and also developing the nation on behalf of the TDP," he said.

"I have seen so many leaders, but his determination, and also enthusiasm in doing things is extraordinary," he said. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, while expressing his party's support, said for 25 years, it has just been a struggle for the BJP-led alliance and now "good days have commenced".

LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan said that the "miracle" of NDA getting so many seats in the Lok Sabha polls was possible only because Modi was projected as the Prime Ministerail candidate.

He said the responsibility was "not a garland of flowers but a crown of thorns" and it was important to deliver on promises in a time-bound manner.

Referring to the outgoing UPA government, Modi said he did not believe that the Manmohan Singh dispensation did nothing for the welfare of the people. "They did whatever they could. They deserve appreciation for whatever good they did," he said.

In his address, the Prime Minister-designate observed that a hung verdict would have meant anger against the previous government but the clear verdict was a reflection of people's trust in the BJP. "People voted for hope and aspirations," Modi said to the thunderous applause.

Modi described BJP's victory a result of struggle of "five generations" of the party leaders.

Resolving to fulfil aspirations of all section of people, he said his government would "think about the poor, listen to the poor and will live for the poor."

"I am a very optimistic man; only optimistic man can bring optimism in the country," he said.

Modi said his government will dedicate itself for the "poor, crores and crores of youth and for the safety and security of the mothers and sisters, those in the rural areas, oppressed and the deprived".

Hailing India's democracy, Modi said his elevation to the high post is a reflection of how a common man could aspire and achieve big goals. "A new hope has arisen in the common man. This is the biggest significance of this election results. At the end of the day for whom is the government? It is for the poor," he said.