Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package to tackle the impact of coronavirus and weeks of lockdown.

PM Modi's speech 5 major takeaways | India 20 Lakh Crore package | India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh economic package for a 'self-reliant' India -- in order to revive an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. This is expected to benefit farmers and middle-class families, he said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will give more details in the coming days.

PM Modi announces economic package worth Rs 20 lakh crore, lockdown 4.0 guidelines to be out soon

On Tuesday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses nation on India's further strategy to fight & contain COVID-19 pandemic across the country. He announces the beginning of Lockdown 4.0 from May 18 in the country, which is going to be with new rules. This was PM Modi's fifth address on COVID-19 lockdown.

Watch: PM Modi's address on Lockdown 4.0 & further strategy to fight COVID-19

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country on March 21 on the issue of coronavirus as he spoke of “self isolation”, “quarantine” and taking precautions to slow down the spread of the virus that has affected the entire world. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/highlights-of-pm-modis-address-to-nation-on-coronavirus-287433">Check out the full address here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>He addressed the nation and called for “Janta Curfew” on March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM so that “social distancing” can help slow the spread of coronavirus. He also asked for people to come out on their balconies and express gratitude to those working round the clock to keep India healthy (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff, armed forces, airport staff).</p>

<p>Soon after the speech came out, people stared appreciating Modi for his words. Bollywood celebrities also took to their social media profiles to spread the word and opined on how they felt about Modi’s words.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/initiatives-taken-by-global-icons-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-287487#blake-lively-and-ryan-reynolds-266904">Also check:&nbsp;Initiatives taken by global icons&nbsp;to combat coronavirus pandemic</a></p>

<p>Ajay Devgn said, "Fellow Indians, Namaskar Folded hands A short while ago, Our PM Saab, Modiji, requested all of us to show resolve &amp; restraint in the face of COVID-19. Please also adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay Safe @PMOIndia @narendramodi #JantaCurfew"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fellow Indians, Namaskar 🙏 A short while ago, Our PM Saab, Modiji, requested all of us to show resolve &amp; restraint in the face of COVID-19. Please also adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay Safe 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaCurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaCurfew</a></p>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1240660077264044032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Twinkle Khanna wrote, “Have written against many govt moves but this was a speech by the PM that http://delivered.It &nbsp;staves of panic without undermining the gravity of the situation.Applauding those providing essential services will also make us feel more united during this pandemic. #jantacurfew”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have written against many govt moves but this was a speech by the PM that <a href="https://t.co/hEYggGXtzE">https://t.co/hEYggGXtzE</a> staves of panic without undermining the gravity of the situation.Applauding those providing essential services will also make us feel more united during this pandemic. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jantacurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jantacurfew</a> <a href="https://t.co/I5maq4kDBk">https://t.co/I5maq4kDBk</a></p>
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrsfunnybones/status/1240667438687059968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Karan Johar said, “Imp initiative by our Honorable PM @narendramodi with #jantacurfew Self-inflicted Quarantine and Staying at HOME on Sunday, March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM is a measured and sensible way to protect from this pandemic by &nbsp;not creating panic yet acknowledging the gravity of the situatn”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imp initiative by our Honorable PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jantacurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jantacurfew</a> Self-inflicted Quarantine and Staying at HOME on Sunday, March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM is a measured and sensible way to protect from this pandemic by not creating panic yet acknowledging the gravity of the situatn</p>
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) <a href="https://twitter.com/karanjohar/status/1240683140873465859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Varun Dhawan wrote, “I will take part in the #jantacurfew &nbsp;on March 22 nd and at 5 in the evening will show my support to our selfless heroes fighting this virus. This is a time to be one and practise #SocialDistancing. Let’s follow our prime ministers appeal.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will take part in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jantacurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jantacurfew</a> on March 22 nd and at 5 in the evening will show my support to our selfless heroes fighting this virus. This is a time to be one and practise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SocialDistancing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SocialDistancing</a>. Let’s follow our prime ministers appeal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeSafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeSafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/V9jAqfT7a2">https://t.co/V9jAqfT7a2</a></p>
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Varun_dvn/status/1240667520954060801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Akshay Kumar said, “An excellent initiative by PM @narendramodi ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm let’s all join in the #JantaCurfew and show the world we are together in this. #SocialDistancing”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An excellent initiative by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm let’s all join in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaCurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaCurfew</a> and show the world we are together in this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SocialDistancing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SocialDistancing</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1240660415601770497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shabana Azmi said, “@narendramodi its a very good speech on Corona Virus and his appeal for #JantaCurfew on Sunday 22nd March stay home from 7am is something all Indians should do. I applaud him for inspiring us to stand at 5 pm on Sun 22nd March to honour people who believe in service about self.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> its a very good speech on Corona Virus and his appeal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaCurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaCurfew</a> on Sunday 22nd March stay home from 7am is something all Indians should do. I applaud him for inspiring us to stand at 5 pm on Sun 22nd March to honour people who believe in service about self.</p>
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/1240652554171609093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shilpa Shetty wrote, “A very important announcement made by respected @narendramodi ji with self isolation we must practice self discipline. #jantacurfew Be Positive and responsible Jai Hind 🙏”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very important announcement made by respected <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji with self isolation we must practice self discipline. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jantacurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jantacurfew</a> Be Positive and responsible Jai Hind 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/VeQyZaGcBh">pic.twitter.com/VeQyZaGcBh</a></p>
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheShilpaShetty/status/1240658492580454401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country on March 21 on the issue of coronavirus as he spoke of “self isolation”, “quarantine” and taking precautions to slow down the spread of the virus that has affected the entire world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country on March 21 on the issue of coronavirus as he spoke of “self isolation”, “quarantine” and taking precautions to slow down the spread of the virus that has affected the entire world. Check out the full address here. He addressed the nation and called for “Janta Curfew” on March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM so that “social distancing” can help slow the spread of coronavirus. He also asked for people to come out on their balconies and express gratitude to those working round the clock to keep India healthy (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff, armed forces, airport staff). Soon after the speech came out, people stared appreciating Modi for his words. Bollywood celebrities also took to their social media profiles to spread the word and opined on how they felt about Modi’s words. Also check: Initiatives taken by global icons to combat coronavirus pandemic Ajay Devgn said, "Fellow Indians, Namaskar Folded hands A short while ago, Our PM Saab, Modiji, requested all of us to show resolve & restraint in the face of COVID-19. Please also adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay Safe @PMOIndia @narendramodi #JantaCurfew" Fellow Indians, Namaskar 🙏 A short while ago, Our PM Saab, Modiji, requested all of us to show resolve & restraint in the face of COVID-19. Please also adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay Safe 🙏@PMOIndia @narendramodi #JantaCurfew — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) March 19, 2020 × Twinkle Khanna wrote, “Have written against many govt moves but this was a speech by the PM that http://delivered.It staves of panic without undermining the gravity of the situation.Applauding those providing essential services will also make us feel more united during this pandemic. #jantacurfew” Have written against many govt moves but this was a speech by the PM that https://t.co/hEYggGXtzE staves of panic without undermining the gravity of the situation.Applauding those providing essential services will also make us feel more united during this pandemic. #jantacurfew https://t.co/I5maq4kDBk — Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) March 19, 2020 × Karan Johar said, “Imp initiative by our Honorable PM @narendramodi with #jantacurfew Self-inflicted Quarantine and Staying at HOME on Sunday, March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM is a measured and sensible way to protect from this pandemic by not creating panic yet acknowledging the gravity of the situatn” Imp initiative by our Honorable PM @narendramodi with #jantacurfew Self-inflicted Quarantine and Staying at HOME on Sunday, March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM is a measured and sensible way to protect from this pandemic by not creating panic yet acknowledging the gravity of the situatn — Karan Johar (@karanjohar) March 19, 2020 × Varun Dhawan wrote, “I will take part in the #jantacurfew on March 22 nd and at 5 in the evening will show my support to our selfless heroes fighting this virus. This is a time to be one and practise #SocialDistancing. Let’s follow our prime ministers appeal.” I will take part in the #jantacurfew on March 22 nd and at 5 in the evening will show my support to our selfless heroes fighting this virus. This is a time to be one and practise #SocialDistancing. Let’s follow our prime ministers appeal. #BeSafe https://t.co/V9jAqfT7a2 — Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) March 19, 2020 × Akshay Kumar said, “An excellent initiative by PM @narendramodi ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm let’s all join in the #JantaCurfew and show the world we are together in this. #SocialDistancing” An excellent initiative by PM @narendramodi ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm let’s all join in the #JantaCurfew and show the world we are together in this. #SocialDistancing — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 19, 2020 × Shabana Azmi said, “@narendramodi its a very good speech on Corona Virus and his appeal for #JantaCurfew on Sunday 22nd March stay home from 7am is something all Indians should do. I applaud him for inspiring us to stand at 5 pm on Sun 22nd March to honour people who believe in service about self.” @narendramodi its a very good speech on Corona Virus and his appeal for #JantaCurfew on Sunday 22nd March stay home from 7am is something all Indians should do. I applaud him for inspiring us to stand at 5 pm on Sun 22nd March to honour people who believe in service about self. — Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) March 19, 2020 × Shilpa Shetty wrote, “A very important announcement made by respected @narendramodi ji with self isolation we must practice self discipline. #jantacurfew Be Positive and responsible Jai Hind 🙏” A very important announcement made by respected @narendramodi ji with self isolation we must practice self discipline. #jantacurfew Be Positive and responsible Jai Hind 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VeQyZaGcBh — SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) March 19, 2020 ×

Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shabana Azmi & others laud Modi's address on COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised US President Donald Trump in his speech as said, "I still remember when I went to Washington to meet President Trump for the first time, he said that India has a true friend in the White House. Trump has always shown his immense love for India.

Trump-Modi bromance on full display at Motera stadium, Modi recalls 1st meet with Trump

<p>People turned up in large numbers outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-pm-modis-positive-development-driven-unga-address-differed-from-pak-pms-hate-speech-252559">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> who is returning after a week-long visit US visit.<br />
<br />
People, some of them who came wearing colourful clothes raised slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi"&nbsp;as they danced to beats of drums at the cultural programme organised by the BJP Delhi unit at the Palam airport. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari was also present in the event.<br />
<br />
"We are here to receive to Modi Ji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI.<br />
<br />
Holding national flags in their hands, people chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and said Modi brought glory to the country. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at 8 PM.<br />
<br />
However, some commuters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buddha-and-not-yudh-pm-modis-message-of-peace-at-unga-252539">faced inconvenience</a> as the programme led to a massive traffic snarl on the Delhi-Gurgaon road.<br />
<br />
Delhi Police has put into place elaborate security arrangements for the Prime Minister's return.<br />
<br />
"Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-is-the-biggest-global-challenge-for-humanitys-sake-lets-unite-against-terrorism-says-pm-narendra-modi-at-unga-252493">Modi on Friday emplaned for New Delhi from New York</a>, after delivering a speech at the 74th session of the United Nations&nbsp;General Assembly.</p>


People turned up in large numbers outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is returning after a week-long visit US visit. People, some of them who came wearing colourful clothes raised slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" as they danced to beats of drums at the cultural programme organised by the BJP Delhi unit at the Palam airport.

People turned up in large numbers outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is returning after a week-long visit US visit. People, some of them who came wearing colourful clothes raised slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" as they danced to beats of drums at the cultural programme organised by the BJP Delhi unit at the Palam airport. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari was also present in the event. "We are here to receive to Modi Ji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI. Holding national flags in their hands, people chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and said Modi brought glory to the country. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at 8 PM. However, some commuters faced inconvenience as the programme led to a massive traffic snarl on the Delhi-Gurgaon road. Delhi Police has put into place elaborate security arrangements for the Prime Minister's return. "Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said. Modi on Friday emplaned for New Delhi from New York, after delivering a speech at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Delhi: People gather in large numbers outside airport to welcome PM Modi

Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 7.30 pm IST. Watch video to know more.

Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 7.30 pm IST

<p>All set for a second term as prime minister, Narendra Modi said Saturday his government will now begin "a new journey to build a new India with new energy" and reached out to minorities, saying the ruling alliance has to win their trust and work without any discrimination.</p>

<p>In his over 75-minute address after being elected the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Modi said the massive mandate has multiplied responsibilities, and advised lawmakers on their public conduct, saying they should avoid speaking to the media for publicity and shun the "VIP culture".</p>

<p>However, it was his suggestion to the MPs in his maiden speech to them that they work without any discrimination and win the trust of minorities that stood out as the alliance, especially the BJP, is often criticised for being indifferent to their concerns and not pursuing inclusive politics.</p>

<p>"Our mantra should be 'sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas' (with all, for everybody's development and having everyone's trust)," he said in the speech which he began by bowing to the Constitution.</p>

<p>"They (minorities) cannot be handed over to them (Opposition), who benefit because we keep quiet," Modi said at Parliament's Central Hall, accusing his rivals of making minorities live in fear and exploiting them during elections as part of their vote-bank politics.</p>

<p>He said the poor were deceived all these years but his government managed to break through this "deception" and improved their lot and asked NDA MPs to similarly smash through the deception around minorities.</p>

<p>"Minorities were deceived, like the poor. Minorities were made to live in fear," the prime minister said.</p>

<p>It would be good if their education, social and economic standards are lifted up, he said, lamenting the minorities were instead made to live in an "imaginary fear".</p>

<p>"We have to break through this deception. We have to win their trust... It is a big responsibility that we have to fulfil. Those who vote us are ours and even our most trenchant opponents are ours. We cannot believe in any discrimination," he said.</p>

<p>Invoking the 1857 war against the British rule, he said all communities worked shoulder-to-shoulder for self-rule then and called for replicating a similar unifying spirit for good governance now as India readies to celebrate the 75 years of independence in 2022.</p>

<p>"The Constitution is supreme for us. Whatever form of worship we follow at home but outside there cannot be a bigger God for us than Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said, likening the country's 130 crore citizens to 130 crore 'Gods' who should be served by the ruling alliance with a similar spirit.</p>

<p>The BJP-led NDA that won 353 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats for which elections were held, made huge inroads in different sections of society.<br />
However, minorities mostly voted for the opposition due to their wariness over BJP's Hindutva politics, political watchers believe.</p>

<p>"We stand for those who trusted us and also for those whose trust we have to win... We have to take everyone along to take India to new heights in the 21st century," Modi said.</p>

<p>With speculation rife over who will join his Council of Ministers, Modi said he was yet to go through the details of all the NDA MPs and asked them to not trust media reports in this regard, adding they are aimed at creating confusion and often put out with "bad intentions".</p>

<p>Many "Narendra Modis" have cropped up in the country, giving out ministerial positions to MPs, he said wryly and added that newspaper reports do not make ministers.</p>

<p>Responsibilities will be given as per norms, he stressed.</p>

<p>Modi said elections often divide and create gulf but 2019 polls united the people and society.</p>

<p>There was a pro-incumbency sentiment in this election and its result was a positive mandate, he said, adding that there is no better path than serving people when in power.</p>

<p>"We ran the government for poor people between 2014-19 and I can say the poor elected the government this time," he said.</p>

<p>He also called for the NDA to work with cohesion for the country's development and said his "naara" (slogan) for the alliance is "national ambition and regional aspirations".</p>

<p>Asking MPs to work together with him, he said they should shun arrogance as it is people not their personality, any caste or Modi who elected them.</p>

<p>The vote share of BJP and its allies rose over 25 percentage points in this general election, he said, adding in a lighter vein that in absolute terms the rise is as much as the votes polled by US President Donald Trump.</p>

<p>"Wave" is a light word to describe the mandate the NDA has received, he said, noting that the NDA won more than 50 per cent votes in 17 states.</p>

<p>He said the NDA will work to meet national ambition with regional aspirations and invoked BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee to underscore his party's commitment to the National Democratic Alliance, first stitched during Vajpayee's time.</p>

<p>There should be energy and synergy in the alliance, he said.</p>

<p>The BJP has had uneasy relations with some of its allies in the last five years before it worked to repair them ahead of the 2019 election.</p>

<p>All of its allies, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, were on the dais when Modi spoke to the lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>


All set for a second term as prime minister, Narendra Modi said Saturday his government will now begin "a new journey to build a new India with new energy" and reached out to minorities, saying the ruling alliance has to win their trust and work without any discrimination.

All set for a second term as prime minister, Narendra Modi said Saturday his government will now begin "a new journey to build a new India with new energy" and reached out to minorities, saying the ruling alliance has to win their trust and work without any discrimination. In his over 75-minute address after being elected the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Modi said the massive mandate has multiplied responsibilities, and advised lawmakers on their public conduct, saying they should avoid speaking to the media for publicity and shun the "VIP culture". However, it was his suggestion to the MPs in his maiden speech to them that they work without any discrimination and win the trust of minorities that stood out as the alliance, especially the BJP, is often criticised for being indifferent to their concerns and not pursuing inclusive politics. "Our mantra should be 'sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas' (with all, for everybody's development and having everyone's trust)," he said in the speech which he began by bowing to the Constitution. "They (minorities) cannot be handed over to them (Opposition), who benefit because we keep quiet," Modi said at Parliament's Central Hall, accusing his rivals of making minorities live in fear and exploiting them during elections as part of their vote-bank politics. He said the poor were deceived all these years but his government managed to break through this "deception" and improved their lot and asked NDA MPs to similarly smash through the deception around minorities. "Minorities were deceived, like the poor. Minorities were made to live in fear," the prime minister said. It would be good if their education, social and economic standards are lifted up, he said, lamenting the minorities were instead made to live in an "imaginary fear". "We have to break through this deception. We have to win their trust... It is a big responsibility that we have to fulfil. Those who vote us are ours and even our most trenchant opponents are ours. We cannot believe in any discrimination," he said. Invoking the 1857 war against the British rule, he said all communities worked shoulder-to-shoulder for self-rule then and called for replicating a similar unifying spirit for good governance now as India readies to celebrate the 75 years of independence in 2022. "The Constitution is supreme for us. Whatever form of worship we follow at home but outside there cannot be a bigger God for us than Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said, likening the country's 130 crore citizens to 130 crore 'Gods' who should be served by the ruling alliance with a similar spirit. The BJP-led NDA that won 353 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats for which elections were held, made huge inroads in different sections of society. However, minorities mostly voted for the opposition due to their wariness over BJP's Hindutva politics, political watchers believe. "We stand for those who trusted us and also for those whose trust we have to win... We have to take everyone along to take India to new heights in the 21st century," Modi said. With speculation rife over who will join his Council of Ministers, Modi said he was yet to go through the details of all the NDA MPs and asked them to not trust media reports in this regard, adding they are aimed at creating confusion and often put out with "bad intentions". Many "Narendra Modis" have cropped up in the country, giving out ministerial positions to MPs, he said wryly and added that newspaper reports do not make ministers. Responsibilities will be given as per norms, he stressed. Modi said elections often divide and create gulf but 2019 polls united the people and society. There was a pro-incumbency sentiment in this election and its result was a positive mandate, he said, adding that there is no better path than serving people when in power. "We ran the government for poor people between 2014-19 and I can say the poor elected the government this time," he said. He also called for the NDA to work with cohesion for the country's development and said his "naara" (slogan) for the alliance is "national ambition and regional aspirations". Asking MPs to work together with him, he said they should shun arrogance as it is people not their personality, any caste or Modi who elected them. The vote share of BJP and its allies rose over 25 percentage points in this general election, he said, adding in a lighter vein that in absolute terms the rise is as much as the votes polled by US President Donald Trump. "Wave" is a light word to describe the mandate the NDA has received, he said, noting that the NDA won more than 50 per cent votes in 17 states. He said the NDA will work to meet national ambition with regional aspirations and invoked BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee to underscore his party's commitment to the National Democratic Alliance, first stitched during Vajpayee's time. There should be energy and synergy in the alliance, he said. The BJP has had uneasy relations with some of its allies in the last five years before it worked to repair them ahead of the 2019 election. All of its allies, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, were on the dais when Modi spoke to the lawmakers.

Modi asks NDA MPs to work without discrimination, reach out to minorities

<p>7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the country has witnessed a cleansing ritual ever since the government announced demonetisation of currency notes on November 8.</p>


The Indian prime minister will make a televised speech

7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the country has witnessed a cleansing ritual ever since the government announced demonetisation of currency notes on November 8.

Live: India PM Narendra Modi's New Year's Eve public address

modi-speech

Modi Speech, News on Modi Speech, stories on Modi Speech, articles on Modi Speech, Modi Speech stories at Wion, Modi Speech news, Modi Speech latest news

modi speech