Emotions run high as Modi steps into Parliament's Central Hall

Scenes of great camaraderie and warm emotions were witnessed in the Central Hall of Parliament today as prime minister-designate Narendra Modi entered it for the first time accompanied by other NDA members who had gathered to elect him as their leader.

Three-time Gujarat Chief Minister Modi was accorded a rousing welcome by leaders of his party as well as those belonging to the 29 NDA allies as they reposed faith in his leadership for staking the claim to form the new government.

Emotions ran high in the BJP camp and party veteran LK Advani had tears in his eyes, as did prime minister-elect Modi, even as the other leaders celebrated the party's highest-ever tally since its inception.

As he was about to step foot inside Parliament, Modi bowed and touched with his forehead the stairs leading into the portal in a mark of respect for the "temple of democracy". He later hailed it for elevating a common man like him to the highest post in the country.

Clad in his trademark kurta-pyjama with full sleeves and a vest-jacket, Modi was greeted by all and sundry.

Thanking the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for taking the party to such heights, Advani turned emotional as he said that this historic day had come in his life due to Modi.

Moved by Advani's remarks, Modi too had tears in his eyes as he said in a choked voice, "Advaniji ne ek shabd kahaa aur mai Advaniji se prarthna karunga ki woh iss shabd ka istmaal na kare. Unhone kaha ki Narendra-bhai ne kripa ki. Kya maa ki seva kabhi kripa ho sakti hai? Katay nahin ho sakti hai.

"Jaise bharat meri maa hai waise hi BJP bhi meri maa hai. Aur isliye beta kabhi maa per kripa nahin karta, sirf samarpit bhav se maa ki sewa karta hai (Advaniji said that I have done a favour to BJP. Like India, BJP is also my mother. Can serving the mother be a favour? Not at all. A son is only dedicated to serving the mother).