Humble NaMo points at his aam aadmi origins to woo the masses | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Humble NaMo points at his aam aadmi origins to woo the masses

Hindustan Times | ByVikas Pathak, New Delhi
Sep 30, 2013 12:39 AM IST

Shunning his corporate-friendly image, Narendra Modi came across more as a leader coming from a humble background as he tried to make a connect with the aam aadmi here in the Capital on Sunday.

Shunning his corporate-friendly image, Narendra Modi came across more as a leader coming from a humble background as he tried to make a connect with the aam aadmi here in the Capital on Sunday.

The style remained assertive as ever, but there was a claim to being a “servant” of the people, in apparent contrast to Rahul Gandhi, whom Modi referred to as a Shehzada (prince).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“(I am) someone who sold tea in trains as a child... All of you have made the son of such a poor family sit here today. This is the BJP’s culture. I was never a ruler at heart, I am not a ruler and I never dream of becoming a ruler. I am a servant (das), not a master (nath). I assure you that I’ll serve you,” Modi told the crowds amid applause.

He added: “The poor should have homes and get education by the time the nation turns 75. Farmers, Dalits, the deprived: they should all get their rights at their doorstep.”

This was a nuanced shift from the image of an industry-friendly politician, who, critics said, wouldn’t work outside business-friendly states like Gujarat. He spoke little on industry this time around.

But there were continuities on national security amid this break, with Modi conjuring the image of a hostile Pakistan and doubting whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be able to stand firm on terror and the killings of Indian soldiers. This hawkish tone on Pakistan – though reflective of Modi’s image – was a break with a more moderate address at Rewari recently, where he appealed to Pakistan to shun the path of terror and address poverty.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On