 "Narendra Modi's fierce poll pitch: 2014 a year of 'lotus & Modi'")
BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi Saturday said 2014 is the year of "Lotus (the party's symbol) and Modi". He was addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat town.
Modi spoke of India's first freedom struggle against the British colonialism in 1857.
"People then fought for 'swaraj' (self-rule) and a British-free India. Today, people have to fight for 'suraj' (good governance) and a Congress-free India," he said.
Modi attacked the Congress for not doing enough for either the armymen or the farmers.
"Today, those who safeguard the nation are not safe. Today, soldiers are being beheaded and their heads are taken away (by Pakistani Army)," he said.
He expressed his displeasure at the Pakistan prime minister's visit to India after Indian soldiers were beheaded.
"Why didn't the (Indian) prime minister tell his Pakistan counterpart that it was not the right time to visit India," he said.
He lashed out at the Congress for projecting itself as a farmer friendly party.
"Farmers are forced to commit suicide during the UPA rule," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app