From 'Thank You, Modi' to Rajnath Singh on Sandeshkhali: Day 1 of BJP's National Council Meet

A display highlighting the Narendra Modi government’s successful conduct of the G20 Summit at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the BJP National Council meeting, on February 17, 2024. (News18)

The first day of the BJP’s National Council meeting on Saturday, attended by more than 11,000 workers from Chief Ministers to municipality chairpersons, was a grand ‘Thank You, Modi’ gesture.

Starting with party president JP Nadda’s speech elaborating how the BJP juggernaut is here to stay, the highlights of the day revolved around ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ of a developed India and the key achievements in the last 10 years on the way to that goal.

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was among the main themes of the day with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pausing his speech to address PM Modi directly, calling the inauguration of the temple on January 22 a moment that was “second to none”.

“We may have got independence in 1947, but the spirit’s Pran Pratishtha was done on January 22, 2024,” said Singh, who brought forth the resolution titled ‘Viksit Bharat – Modi ki gurantee’ which was seconded by Nirmala Sitharaman, Yogi Adityanath and L Murugan.

Meanwhile, targeting the Congress, Nadda said: “Some people ridiculed us saying we would build the temple there, but would not tell us the date. The Ram Temple was constructed, and on January 22, 2024, the Prime Minister consecrated Lord Ram… You (opposition) did not come, these were your deeds.”

To rousing applause, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: “Not only has the temple been delivered, but exactly where we promised.”

Apart from the abrogation of Article 370, Modi government’s thrust on women empowerment, pro-farmer policies and direct benefits transfers were also lauded repeatedly at the conference. Rajnath Singh said that as a farmer himself, he understands the significance of government policy decisions that help farmers like the move to bring down urea price.

Another highlight of the day was Singh tearing into the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal for the Sandeshkhali violence and protests where women have alleged sexual abuse by local musclemen close to the party leadership. “It should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” said Singh.