STATE TIMES NEWS

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exuded confidence that people have voted in record numbers to re-elect the NDA government and said the “opportunistic INDI Alliance” failed to strike a chord with the voters who rejected their “regressive politics”.
As polling ended for the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls, Modi said the people have seen his government’s track record and the manner in which its work has brought about a qualitative change in the lives of the poor, marginalised and downtrodden.
“India has voted! A heartfelt thank you to all those who exercised their franchise. Their active participation is the cornerstone of our democracy. Their commitment and dedication ensures that the democratic spirit thrives in our nation. I would also like to specially appreciate India’s Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. Their strong presence at the polls is a very encouraging sign,” Modi said in a series of posts on X.
The prime minister said he can say with confidence that the people of India have voted in record numbers to re-elect the NDA government.
“They have seen our track record and the manner in which our work has brought about a qualitative change in the lives of the poor, marginalised and downtrodden,” Modi said.
At the same time, they have seen how the reforms in India have propelled the nation to being the fifth largest global economy, he added.

Modi concludes meditation; says he feels divine energy

Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here and said he felt a divine energy.
On conclusion of his dhyana session, Modi, clad in white, visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar, located next to the rock memorial and placed a huge garland there marking his tribute. He arrived at the statue complex by a ferry service and later reached the shore using the service.
BJP leader and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a post on ‘X’ said: “On completing his meditation on the Vivekananda Rock Memorial PM @narendramodi writes: Visiting the ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial’ at Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, I feel a divine energy.”
Furthermore, the PM said: “It is on this rock that Mother Parvati and Swami Vivekananda had meditated. Later, Eknath Ranade transformed this rock into a ‘Shila Smarak’ that brought Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts to life.
Swami Vivekananda, a leader of spiritual renaissance, has been my ideal, my energy, and the source of my spirituality. Years ago, after traveling across the entire country, when Swami Vivekananda meditated here, it was here that he envisioned a new direction for India’s revival. It is my fortune that today, after so many years, as India embodies the values and ideals of Swami Vivekananda, I too have had the opportunity to meditate at this sacred place.
My meditation at this ‘Shila Smarak’ is one of the unforgettable moments of my life. Sitting at the feet of ‘Ma Bharati’, I once again reaffirm my resolve that every moment of my life and every particle of my body will always be dedicated to the service of the nation. With wishes for the progress of the nation and the welfare of its citizens, I offer my utmost reverence to ‘Ma Bharati'”. The Prime Minister left by a helicopter for Thiruvananthapuram and from there, he left for Delhi. On his arrival here on May 30, the PM prayed at the Bhagavathy Amman temple and later arrived at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
During his stay at the memorial, the PM did meditation and also performed ‘Surya Arghya’ at the time of sunrise, a ritual associated with spiritual practice. Modi was clad in saffron while he was engaged in meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
The PM’s visit to Kanyakumari to perform meditation evoked opposition from INDIA bloc constituents including Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK. The opposition was to the broadcast of meditation in view of last phase of polling on June 1.
In view of the PM’s stay, senior DMK leader and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on May 31 alleged that tourists were not allowed in that area which had seriously affected the local businesses and ‘we have pointed out that this is not good.’
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai on Saturday told reporters that those doing meditation do it peacefully without any hindrance and all alone. “How can a person do Dhyana with 14 cameras in front of him? Is this meditation? This is dhyana eyeing electoral politics,” the Congress leader alleged. He accused Modi of trying to sully Swami Vivekananda’s reputation by acting against the spiritual leader’s legacy and hence, ‘condemnable.’
At the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the PM embarked on his 45-hour long meditation on the evening of May 30 and completed it on Saturday. Kanyakumari is famous for its sunrise and sunset and the memorial is located on a tiny islet near the shoreline.

The prime minister said that every scheme of the government has reached the intended beneficiaries without any bias or leakage.
Lashing out at the opposition coalition, Modi said, “The opportunistic INDI Alliance failed to strike a chord with the voters. They are casteist, communal and corrupt. This alliance, aimed to protect a handful of dynasties, failed to present a futuristic vision for the nation.”
“Through the campaign, they only enhanced their expertise on one thing- Modi bashing. Such regressive politics has been rejected by the people,” he added.
He also applauded each and every NDA worker across the length and breadth of India.
“I compliment them for meticulously explaining our development agenda to the people and motivating them to come out and vote. Our karyakartas are our greatest strength,” Modi said.
The prime minister also hailed the Election Commission for their “exemplary efforts” in conducting the polls.
“I would like to commend the Election Commission for their exemplary efforts in ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process. Their dedication and meticulous planning have been crucial in upholding the integrity of our democracy, allowing citizens across the nation to vote with confidence and security,” Modi said.
“Our electoral process is something every believer in democratic values takes inspiration from,” he added.
Modi also thanked the security forces for their unwavering vigilance during the entire elections.
“Heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding security forces for their unwavering vigilance during the entire elections. Their efforts have ensured a safe and secure environment, enabling people to take part in the polling process with ease,” he said.
“Their service to the nation is deeply appreciated by each one of us,” Modi added.
In the seventh and final phase, polling was conducted in seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh for 57 constituencies, including Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from where Prime Minister Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha. The results of the elections will be announced on June 4.