The emphatic wins in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand made the BJP leaders ecstatic. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a message for them—be humble in victory, and work for the poor.
Speaking at the end of BJP's two-day national executive in Bhubaneswar, Modi reminded his party leaders that their party has seen maximum defeats. "We even heard jibes like Hum Do, Hamare Do (reference to BJP's two Lok Sabha seats in 1984). But our workers kept on working. We continue to work to bring transformation," BJP leader and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said quoting Modi speech at the party meet.
Modi hailed his most trusted lieutenant, BJP chief Amit Shah as being strategist for the UP and Uttarakhand victory.
The prime minister said his government and those states ruled by the BJP should push for transformation by 2022, when India would celebrate 75th Independence Day. He talked about Jan Dhan (economic schemes), Van Dhan (schemes for tribals), and Jal Dhan (schemes for irrigation for farmers) as the main ingredients for this transformation.
Modi asked his party to exercise restraint while speaking and ignore issues created by the Opposition. Referring to issues like church attacks, award wapsi, and allegations of EVM tampering, Modi said opposition created these issues in a factory to target his government, Gadkari said quoting Modi.
Earlier during the day, BJP passed two resolutions talking about Modi government's achievements and creation of backward commission.
As Odisha has been the focus of the meet, Modi met families of those who were involved in the 1817 Paika Rebellion against East India Company. He also visited the ancient Lingaraj Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Modi's message for Muslims
Modi twice touched upon issues of the Muslim community on the last day of the BJP's meeting. When a resolution on the creation of a national commission for backward classes was being debated, Modi intervened to say the benefit of this constitutional provision would also be passed to the backwards among the Muslims.
Again, during his speech, Modi talked about the issue of triple talaq saying awareness should be brought within the community to help the women. He added that the aim was not to create a schism within the community but to help them.
Modi's message comes in the backdrop of some sections of Muslims supporting the BJP during the just concluded UP elections. Modi referred to these sections—women and backward community of the minority community.
