"There is a vested interest group that is a Raksha Kavach (protective shield) for the Congress. This vested interest group is active and come 2014 we have to fight both the Congress and this vested interest group," 63-year-old Modi said, without elaborating.
Speaking to the Indian diaspora in the US through live video conference, the Gujarat Chief Minister said, "See the arrogance of the Government in Delhi. They are in power for nine years but they are not ready to give performance report."
"As soon as I finish (my speech) they will start, what Modi said, but friends, Modi gave answers to the people in December 2012 and the people chose him for a third time with distinction to serve them.
"I want to tell the Congress friends, do you at least agree that when Vajpayee Government was there growth rate was 8.4 per cent but now it is 4.8 per cent under this (UPA) Government," he asserted.
Drawing a parallel between the 2014 polls and the 1977 elections, he said, "this government, which has downgraded the country, has to go. Let us affirm that this Government has to go democratically. We should work for a progressive BJP Government...Like 1977, 2014 will be the voice of the people."
"This election is not about any post, but to wipe the tears of the poor. It is not the farmers, the tribal, the marginalised," Modi said in his first address to the diaspora after being nominated as the prime ministerial candidate.
Modi was addressing the Indian-American community at the conclusion of the two-day national convention of the Overseas Friends of BJP-USA.
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
