Modi supporters in US announce three-day celebrations

Elated at the historic victory of the BJP lead by Narendra Modi, its supporters in the US today called for three-day celebrations by lighting "diyas" at their homes, community centers and temples.

"This is a historic moment for India. We have urged all non-resident Indians to celebrate this by lighting diyas at their homes on May 16, 17 and 18. It is a Diwali moment for us," Chandrakant Patel, president of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), told PTI after trends indicated sweeping victory for BJP-lead NDA.

Tampa-based Patel had led an OFBJP team of more than 1,000 volunteers who had travelled to India at their own expense to campaign for BJP and its candidates in different parts of India.

"It is a vote for good governance and against corruption," he said.

He said that a BJP lead government with Modi as the Prime Minister would give due recognition to the interest of the diaspora.

"This is the beginning of a new era in India," he said.

Modi supporters held "election watch parties" in over two dozen cities across the US, including New York, Jersey City, Edison, Chicago, Tampa, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and at several places in the Greater Washington Area.

At a restaurant in the suburb of Washington DC, a number of Modi supporters erupted into big applause and the moment the giant television set installed by the restaurant owner, who distributed "ladoos" to all those present there.

"It's a dream come true. We have achieved the target of 272 (the half way mark in the Lok Sabha)," said Rajesh Gupta, after the trends of more than 540 seats were available, returning the BJP to power after a decade.