6 times Modi (almost) wept for India
In an emotional speech before BJP MPs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 22 strongly defended the demonetisation drive, saying it was done for the benefit of the people.
Addressing the BJP parliamentary party meet, Modi urged the MPs to counter "misinformation" being spread by the opposition parties on the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
"We came to power for the poor, not for our own sake," Modi is reported to have told his MPs.
"The poor, the lower middle class and middle class have been suffering since the last 70 years due to corruption and black money."This decision is in favour of the people and against black money, corruption and counterfeit currency. Our target is fight a long battle against all these," he said.
Today’s emotional pitch on demonetisation before his party MPs comes barely nine days after the PM made a combative and emotional speech in Goa, where he broke down while defending his government’s demonetisation scheme.
Here are the other occasions when PM Modi delivered emotional speeches on various issues:
On demonetisation; New Delhi (November 22, 2016):
"We came to power for the poor, not for our own sake,"
"The poor, the lower middle class and middle class have been suffering since the last 70 years due to corruption and black money. "This decision is in favour of the people and against black money, corruption and counterfeit currency. Our target is fight a long battle against all these."
Goa (November 13, 2016):
"I've left my home and family to serve this country"
“I was not born to sit on a chair of high office. Whatever I had, my family, my home-I left it for nation. (Desh ke liye ghar parivar chhoda hai, sab kuch desh ke naam kara hai).
“I am doing this for the poor, toiling and honest people who are working hard to survive. So that they can get their own home, their children get good education and their parents get care.”
“Co-operate with me on this for 50 days… If I commit any mistake, I am ready to face any punishment the country will give me. But I promise to deliver a corruption-free India.”
“I know the forces up against me, they may not let me live,they may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble, but am prepared.”
On Rohith Vemula's suicide; Lucknow (January 22, 2016):
"A young son of my country, Rohith, was compelled to commit suicide, what his family must have gone through, I can feel the pain."
"A mother has lost his son, there cannot be a bigger grief."
"Reasons (behind the suicide) and politics (on the issue) may have their own place but the fact remains that a mother has lost her son."
"It is sad when there is news that a young son of my country, Rohith, was compelled to commit suicide."
On attacks on Dalits; Hyderabad (August 7, 2016):
"I would like to tell these people that if you have any problem, if you have to attack, attack me. Stop attacking my dalit brethren. If you have to shoot, shoot me, but not my dalit brothers. This game should stop."
“Country’s unity is the main source of country’s development.”
“I know this problem is social. It is a result of sins which have crept into the society... But we need to take extra care and save society from such danger (of social strife).”
“Those who want to solve this social problem, I request them to leave politics that divides the society. Divisive politics will not do any good to the country.”
On cow vigilantes; Gajwel, Telangana (August 7, 2016):
"I want to tell everybody, beware of these fake cow protectors. These handful of vigilantes have nothing to do with cow protection, but want to create 'tanaav' (tension) and 'takrav' (conflict) in the society."
"But fake (cow protectors) destroy society and country. We need to beware of these people. There is a need to punish these people. Then alone can we take the nation to great heights."
On Kashmir violence; Alirajpur, MP (August 9, 2016):
“Peeda hai ki jin baalakon kay haath mei laptop, kitaab, bat hona chahiye, mann mein sapne hone chahiye unke haath mei pathar hote hai”