Narendra Modi. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
NEW DELHI: India's opposition prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi vowed Sunday a corruption-free government and a tough stand against rival Pakistan if his party wins elections next year.
During his first rally in the capital, the Hindu hardliner called Prime Minister Manmohan Singh weak and said his government was riddled with graft, as tens of thousands of supporters screamed Modi's name.
Singh will sit down on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has called for improved ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours since he was elected in May.
"Today the prime minister meets Nawaz Sharif but the country doubts whether the prime minister has the courage to discuss the issue of terrorism unleashed on us by Pakistan," Modi said.
"It is also doubtful whether our prime minister will discuss the issue of our soldiers being killed on the borders. The nation wants the prime minister to bring back the heads of Indian soldiers severed by Pakistani forces," he said.
Modi was referring to deadly incidents along the heavily militarised de facto border that divides Kashmir between Pakistan and India. The countries have fought two wars since independence over the Himalayan region.
In front of diplomats and media and amid a heavy police presence, Modi attacked the ruling Congress party headed by Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul, whom he said ran roughshod over premier Singh.
"Today dynastical rule is strangling democracy and the nation must decide whether India should be governed constitutionally or at the whims of the Prince (Rahul Gandhi), who has insulted the prime minister, the cabinet and the constitution of India," he said.
Modi was referring to Gandhi's blistering rejection on Friday of a government decree to protect convicted lawmakers. Gandhi turned on Singh's government, calling its move to allow convicted criminals to serve in parliament "complete nonsense".
Among the crowd, Modi supporter Pradeep Kumar Singh rejected concerns that the BJP leader would alienate religious minorities if elected prime minister.
"Modi does not hate Muslims. It's the Muslim clerics who preach hatred, not Modi," he said.
Anti-corruption stance
"The coalition (government) is now addicted to corruption and instead of finding solutions to end the culture of graft, it stops functioning," Modi told the crowd, many waving party flags and wearing Modi face masks.
"India needs a dream team and not a dirty team in 2014 and people must decide that during the elections," he said in a speech at Japanese Park lasting just over an hour.
Modi was elected the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) prime ministerial candidate early this month before national elections due by next May.
The rally helped launched the BJP's campaign for the Delhi state elections, to be held later this year and seen as a dry run for the national polls.
The BJP is seeking to overthrow the Congress-led coalition government, which has been embroiled in a string of graft scandals and is desperate to boost sluggish economic growth, after almost a decade in power.
But Modi, the chief minister of the western state of Gujarat, is a polarising figure -- tainted by deadly anti-Muslim riots on his watch in 2002, but also credited with turning Gujarat into an economic powerhouse.
Modi was also chief minister at the time of the riots, during which as many as 2,000 people were killed, mainly Muslims. He is accused of turning a blind eye to the violence but denies any wrongdoing.
COMMENTS (64)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713364255-0/Gilgit-sewerage-and-sanitation-project-(2)1713364255-0-270x192.webp)
1713163578-0/IqraYasirKabir-(1)1713163578-0-270x192.webp)
Ha ha haaaaaaaaa look who is taking about India and those fellow who are all form the land of terrorism. our epicenter of terrorism. Modi is a great man.India will prosperous under his leadership. He is now growing as a most influential person in the globe. I'm afraid about pakis... i'm not sure pakistan will be there in the world map or not. But trust me there is no threat to pakistan from INDIA... Coz we the people believe in mankind. human life is more valuable than anything else. Not like your jihadis. killing people in the name of god. seek people Get mature get educated and All the best Hoping for a Strong economical ,peaceful and prosperous Pakistan than a terror land.
Stop looking at Indian election with Hindu (India)- Muslim (Pakistan) view, it's not going to help. He is not Hafij saeed of india as most of you(Pakistani) guys think.
There's more to modi than Hindu Muslim polarization propaganda hyped by Indian media. He has worked for people of Gujarat (Hindu as well as Muslims) that's the reason they voted for him for consecutive 4th term. Muslims in Gujarat are financially stronger than in any other state. Industrial development, education, solar energy (i am not sure if Hafij saeed has even talked about these things ever)tourism, security (no riots since 2002), fdi, no corruption what else you want from a Cm??
How about IK? how is he doing as a cm in KP ? negotiating with killers of 50k Muslims right??? so think rationally, it's easy to criticize but tough to solve problems.
Modi is a sensible leader, it's not like he is going to wage a war against Pakistan as soon as he comes in power. He is a politician not a stupid. I have reasons to support him which i have mentioned above. Please think before criticizing someone.
People are tired of Congress and corruption and BJP governments are doing pretty good in states like MP and CG. Congress' incompetency is another reason, Rahul baba is not an option. If you are not sure go and check RG talking stupid things on YouTube.
Modi will work for development, roads, infrastructure, agriculture, education, jobs and for a better India. so my vote is for Narendra modi !!
@ET please publish this.
@true version: Yeah had Indians believed in solving them Indian would not have hostile relations with most of her neighbors. Why deny the fact that Indians vote extremists to power?
I dont understand how a leader could demoralize its own army saying Pakistani forces are killing our Innocent Army soldiers. Its looks funny but one thing is for sure that Everyone has kept the weapons but Its a matter of playing with it. Pakistan always wanted a friendship But Indians conspiracies involving in Blasts in Pakistani cities has now changed our attitude. Just do or die is our Mission. Pakistan Zindaabad
Awesome Comment @Yasir Mehmood:
@Syed A. Mateen: If India will harm Pakistan, Pakistanis will make sure to wipe out India from the world’s map.
Sorry mate, at present Pakistan don't have the courage, money, military superiority or guts to wipe India out. If Pakistan army can't wipe out terrorism from it's soil, then how they are going to wipe out India ? Think sensibly mate, Pakistan can never win a war against India.
"Corruption free Government", lol how can anyone take this old man seriously.
You know what they say. Laathon ke bhoot baaton se nahin maantey. My vote goes to Modi. The issues with Pakistan will be sorted out one way or another.
@Ali Tanoli last time they were the reason Pakistan decleared nuclear power and this time will be economic power of the world
How has Pakistan been doing after being declared nuclear power?
@yash: But not strong enough to protect its own innocent citizens from annihilation at the hands of terrorists.
Mr Modi is the right leader for India and Pakistan new Government could learn a bit from his style odf leadership.
Rex Minor
Modi knows very well that Pakistan is a nuclear state. If India will harm Pakistan, Pakistanis will make sure to wipe out India from the world’s map.
So India don't have the nuclear weapon and only Pakistan have it in the world
Let us see who drop it first before other do it.
@Truth detector: Spot on!
@xnain-india has issues but at the same time we believe in solving it...we never avenge our people by bombing just for our problems..u can go through the stats of india..the bjp ruled states are doing better than the other state goverbments..the same bjp leaders are loved by every section of india..our economy is in mess but atleast we have a economy unlike pakistan
I wanna see Sri Modi as a pm of future india for only one reason last time they were the reason Pakistan decleared nuclear power and this time will be economic power of the world InshaAllah.
Yes, Indian should vote for Mr Modi We as ,Pakistani can handle him. By the way, who are we to object to him. When he comes to power, we will see how he handles the issues with Pakistan. In the mean time, I wish him best of luck.
@ Kufristani
I guess ET moderators were negligent and somehow allowed your lucid and fluid comment. Mods like publishing comments by belligerent Pakistanis that advocate nuclear war but censor sensible rebuttals.
Makes one wonder about the effects of Nazi style social engineering and propaganda. Tough talking people that have never won a war.
Does Shri Modi Ji know the impact of his anti Muslim stance on Indian labour force in Muslim Gulf region and India's effort to gain a permanent seat on UN Security Council? Does he expect to gain support and goodwill of countries like Iran, Turkey, Muslim Republics of Central Asia, Middle Eastern countries, North Africa, Nigeria and other countries in Africa? I don't wish India and Indian people ill, but wish that he becomes PM for one term and airs India's dirty laundry of it's sickening social ills like cast system, Hindu fanaticism of RSS on the world stage and destroys India' image as a "humane" peaceful and non violent society cultivated by Mahatma Gandhi and reveal it's ugly violent and intolerant face. Keep it up Mr. Modi, you will take India to a nadir never seen before! With leaders like him, India does not need any enemies.
He's a smart, man he can say anything to get votes............but once he's in office, which I feel he will be, realities and positions will change.
The Golden rule of Indian Politics:Pakistan-bashing = votes.
@Yasir Mehmood: Dont worry. American president will come to India to shake hands with Modi. They don't have a lot of choice but do that. if they don't our business will flow to Germany, China, Russia and japan instead of USA. Incidentally Modi has been traveling to all these countries.
Slap on "Aman ki Asha"
@Ch. Allah Daad: I am afraid that you are wrong. No one can get votes just by talking tough on Pakistan - if that were the case, then Bal Thackeray would have been PM long back. Indians vote based on domestic issues, very often local issues - almost everyone has the same (negative) impression of Pakistan, but no one wants a war either. Modi has managed to contrast himself (successfully) against Manmohan Singh, who is unable to stand up for himself even within his own party - and going ahead with today's meeting with Nawaz Sharif despite the attack in Kashmir has become yet another arrow in Modi's quiver. On a separate note, it is naive to assume that terrorists will change their agenda based on who is in power - look at K-P, where their greatest apologist is in power, as an example.
Will be interesting to see him next year at general assembly in New York. Oh just forgot his entry into US is banned .
I wish Mr. modi good mental health and sound sleep in order to continue to chase his dreams of bullying pakistan
This is what peaples call it "politics" he is just doing it to win the election of 2014 nothing else or in future if he win elections and become prime minister of India and thought to harm Pakistan then he have to pay for it. Remember lunch is not free.
I remember in recently concluded election campaign in Pakistan no one just talked about India. But Indian politicians seem like can't find any other 'interesting' topic to entertain their voter bank except outdated Pakistan-phobia. Every leader and party is in race to outpace its rival in this regard.
What can we expect from Indians. These fools are stilling living in a delusional world where India is the epicenter of world. Investors are leaving India, their economy is crumbling. And their leaders are still creating war hysteria. So much for the so called enlightened Indian masses. They vote for their Jamat-e-Islami. There is a big difference between Pakistan and India. In India the extremism is institutionalized in the form of BJP being the second biggest party where as it is still of "freelance" nature in Pakistan in the name of JI,TTP etc.
Raw is already operational in pakistan.
@syed a. Mateen- ur own people r wiping u out by bombing.
Thank you Mr. Modi for revealing the true face of 'peace making' India. More you will talk and more people in Pakistan will understand the mindset of big chunk of India...
@Ch. Allah Daad:
It's foolish to assume that a cobra will not strike just because you are being nice to it. Same with terrorists.
@Syed A. Mateen: Modi will not even recognize a sinle voter if he is elected? Where do you come up with stuff like that? Do you know of his governance record and why Gujarati voters have repeatedly re-elected him? No politician in one term can solve the problems of Ondia's poor. But a non - corrupt PM with visionaryolicies is far more likely o create a dent in poverty than this highly corrupt Congress government who has overned very poorly.
@Pakistanis who call him an extremist- only in Pakistan do the PTI supporters believe that speaking up against those who kill their soldiers and civilians is extremist thought. Nowhere else wold his words be considered extremist. Also India has a No First Use policy with regards to nuclear weapons - this is for those who are implying that he would precipitate a nuclear war.
@Ch. Allah Daad - the mild mannered Manmohan Singh has had no impact on slowing down extremism in India and as such extremist thought within Paksitan does not need an external trigger. Thus Modi keeping quiet and turning the other cheek will in no way improve the situation for India - which is what should be the concern of any Indian PM.. I usually agree with you but not this time.
Well, let me tell you frankly that Modi popularity wave is spreading each passing day in India but these are still early days and it is quite difficult to predict at this particular time whether he would occupy the topmost post of the country or not. Nevertheless, it can be stated with certainty that Pakistan's recent violations on LoC have strengthened his election campaign, and if the same are continued would certainly brighten BJP chances of winning the coming general elections in India. However, there are other factors too like corruption and slow economy growth rate in the recent months which are also going in favour of the BJP and reducing ruling party prospects. So, much depends on Pakistan of its actions in the coming months as they would have a major impact on the election results in India.
Looks like the honeymoon is over for terrorism.
@Ahsan: No one is going to have a nuclear war for that matter it will never be used. Has one been used against your freedom fighters who have killed 40,000+ and counting.
I'm afraid Modi's inferiority complex may push him to do rash things.
He is Pakistan obsessed troll. He won't be winning Indian elections anyways.
Be our guest!
There is already a long que of our well wishers, sure one more ally wont make alot of difference, will it?
but just FYI, this country(Pakistan) is sitting right next to the great paradise of yours on the world map and any mess will eventually spill onto the great great maha bharat of urs. Good luck with your 'tough stand'!
Rise of Hindu nationalists in power demonstrates how Hindu fundamentalism & intolerance is growing in India. Last time I checked only 8% population of Pakistan voted for religious parties in elections.
Pity on this country where elections are won on how much a party pours hate against Pakistan. You can imagine what a country India is!
this is the extremist face of India
Whats strange if he said that.
@ET... India's Modi?? Pakistan ko bhi Ek Hain kya????
"Prince (Rahul Gandhi), who has insulted the prime minister, the cabinet and the constitution of India"
Be careful in your criticism Modi. Rahul has said the right thing. He has all the right to say what he feels like, even if it is wrong, as he will be judged during the elections.
Nonetheless, he was right this time.
As far as Pakistan goes, Singh has called Pakistan an epicenter of terrorism. I think that's enough for now, if we continue to have a dialog.
Narendra Modi is India's Munawar Hassan.
Snap out of the lala land Mr. Modi.
Good!
And you thought Pakistan was the epicenter of terrorism. Guess, who is talking a radical in the garb of a radical!
As a Pakistani I will be happy if Modi comes to power because it will remove that facade of illusive friendship & our Indian obsessed media will be forced to reconsider their stance & stop shoving Bollywood garbage on Pakistani public.
These kind of people make peace impossible, wherever they are. Period
Nuts!
Modi is not a different politician then the politicians of the rest of the world.
By raising such slogans, he wants to attract the voters to win the upcoming election and become Prime Minister.
And it is all together a different story that in case if will win the election and become the next Prime Minister of India, will he be able to solve the problems of millions of Indians who are living below the poverty line?
Modi is using Pakistan's name to get the favour of the voters and when he will become the Prime Minister he will not even recognize a single voter.
Modi knows very well that Pakistan is a nuclear state.
If India will harm Pakistan, Pakistanis will make sure to wipe out India from the world's map.
Pakistan is strong enough to deal with India and its leaders like Modi
hahahaha for aman ke asha... after modi there will be tamasha he tamsha... our hard liners will also use the same language and there will be more tamasha but not aman.
India's Modi or Terror's Modi??
This Idiot is not going to stop until we have a nuclear War
Modi's tough stand against Pakistan will get him votes in India but in Pakistan it will strengthen extremists which is not good for both countries.
Tough and united stance by all the neighbors of India as she has been bulling with all of them.