NEW DELHI: Asserting that BJP’s return to power in 2019 is “not a challenge but a certainty”, party chief Amit Shah on Saturday projected the next Lok Sabha polls as a contest between PM Narendra Modi’s efforts to “remove corruption and poverty” and the Opposition’s singlepoint agenda of Modi hatao.On the Modi government’s fourth anniversary, Shah listed details of its “successes” and heaped scorn on the likely challenge from Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying he may have declared himself a prime ministerial candidate but his bid has not got support even from his party colleagues, let alone other opposition leaders.Projecting Modi as the “most popular and hardworking PM with unending energy”, Shah said he replaced UPA’s policy paralysis with a policy-driven government working for the poor and improved economy while raising the country’s esteem in the world.Asked about the achche din (good days) promised by the BJP-led ruling alliance when it came to power, Shah said the government has done a lot to fulfil its promises in four years and one year is still left. The BJP chief came down heavily on the Opposition, saying a shocking change has happened in the country’s politics with those against the prime minister resorting to lies and speaking it loudly all the time.Shah said he wants BJP’s alliance with Shiv Sena to continue and added that 11 new parties, including JD(U), have joined the ruling bloc.He also maintained BJP’s position on the Ram temple issue, saying it wants the issue to be resolved either through courts or dialogue.The Modi government ended an era of instability and has delivered on its two key promises, that it will work for the poor, Dalits, tribals, backwards, and farmers and that it will raise India’s esteem in the world.

Source: Economic Times May 26, 2018 17:37 UTC