When PM Narendra Modi Couldn’t Overcome His Emotions

The Lok Sabha elections have broken many records this year. From popular support to the size of Congress party – everything is for an overhaul. The Bhartiya Janata Party has emerged as the single largest party in its literal sense with 282 seats in hand and the National Democratic Alliance as the largest alliance with 29 political parties joining hands.

Another record which was broken in the central hall of the Parliament today was of a prime minister designate speaking probably more words than what last prime minister uttered in his entire ten year tenure.

But the show and hearts of many was stolen by the raw emotions which were on display.

It was twice when new Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not overcome his emotions.

First was when he remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the beginning of his speech. “Agar Atal ji ka swasthya kharab na hota, wo bhi yahan hote to sone pe suhaga hota,” he said with a quivering voice.

Second was a breakdown where he had to stop and sip water to control the overflowing emotions. It was when he pleaded veteran leader LK Adavani not to use the word ‘favour’ again for like his nation, BJP too is his mother and that he can never do a favour to his mother but only serve her.

“Advani ji said Narendra bhai has done us a favour. I would request him not to use that word… Can a mother’s devotion be a favour? Like India is my mother, BJP is my mother too. A son can never do a favour for his mother. The party has done me a favour by giving me an opportunity to serve it,” Modi said in breaking voice.

Modi is considered to be a very strong leader who locks up his emotions but today his uncontrolled sensitivity showed the humane side of his personality and stole the hearts of many. It was a rare moment when most present in the central hall were infused with the same kind of emotion watching Modi let his flow.

Modi had already given an example of his humility when he bent down to the steps of central hall in respect and restored the faith in many that the parliament is indeed a temple of democracy.

During his speech, Modi acknowledged the support of his team and asked everybody to help him run the government reassuring them that he was available to all. “I accept the responsibility you have reposed in me. You will never get an opportunity to look down on what my government will do,” he said in the 30-minute speech.

“A new hope has arisen in the common man. This is the biggest significance of this election results. At the end of the day, who is the government for? It is for the poor.

“The new government will dedicate itself for the poor, crores and crores of youth, and for the safety and security of the mothers and sisters, those in the rural areas, and the oppressed and the deprived,” Modi said.

Referring to the nature of the verdict, he said if it had been a hung or fractured, then one could say that people had vented their anger against the government and that it was anti-establishment.

“By giving BJP an absolute majority, they have voted for hope and trust. People have voted for hope and faith, and I will do everything to fulfil their aspirations,” he said, adding that he is a man full of optimism.

He asked party MPs to work with all purity not for designations but for the people of the country. “We are here in the temple of democracy. We will work with all purity… not for the designation but the people of the country. Work and responsibility are the biggest things.”

Later, Modi met President Pranab Mukherjee at President house and was given letter of appointment.

The swearing in ceremony will be held at the President house on May 26 at 6 in the evening where 3000 guests are expected to arrive (by invitation).