(Xinhua) — A day after India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the assembly polls in the politically important northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday described the win as “foundation of a new India” and an opportunity to serve people.
“I see this victory as the foundation of a new India where 65 per cent of population will be of young people below 35 years of age. A new India of unprecedently vigilant women. A new India where the poor do not want anything by way of charity, but seek opportunity to chart out their own course. I see this change happening,” Modi said in his victory speech in the BJP headquarters in Delhi.
He added: “I am seeing a new India, the India of the dreams of the youth. A new India that fulfills the aspirations of our women. A new India that is about opportunities for the poor … The poor are saying, I want to progress and I seek the opportunity from you.”
The prime minister also said that BJP’s governments would work for everyone regardless of whether they voted for the party or not.
“I am not one to run according an election calendar. We have goal in front of us — 2022. It will be the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. If 125 crore Indians pledge to help this country advance for five years, India will not be behind,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Modi tweeted: “India is emerging, which is being powered by the strength & skills of 125 crore Indians. This India stands for development.”
The BJP has won 312 of 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh and has credited Modi for its most important victory since winning the 2014 general election.
