Victorious Narendra Modi thanks supporters

Narendra Modi's national pitch has become even bigger after his third consecutive win in Gujarat. From his victory speech that he delivered in Hindi in Ahemedabad, Modi said "country understands the real issues that need to be confronted."

After thanking the people of Gujarat for choosing him for a third time as Chief Minister, Modi said if there was any hero in this election, "it is my six crore Gujaratis." He also apologised "if I have faltered anywhere in all these years."

"Voters have discarded the caste politics of 1980s. The elections prove how mature the Gujarati voter is. People ignored caste and community. People rise above everything else to vote for development," he said. He also said, "People have voted keeping their future in mind. People know what is bad and what is good for them."

Modi said his victory in Gujarat "has begun a new chapter" and stressed that the state has risen above its past. Modi-led BJP secured 115 seats in 182-member Assembly while Congress slightly increased its tally to 61.

"The nation wants development. Voters of Gujarat have shown great maturity. Gujarat's voters are the heroes today," Modi said.

-Asian Tribune-