In Surat, PM Modi says only a majority government can take strong decisions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday used a series of events in Surat to argue for a government with a clear majority, while criticising what he called “people with a negative mindset”.

Case for a majority government

After opening the Surat airport extension and a number of civic projects, Modi pointed to demonetisation as a bold step that his majority government had been able to take, saying it had helped curb real estate prices.

He said the country’s progress had suffered over the past three decades and that only a government with a full majority could work freely for development. “Such a government is also accountable,” he said, adding that anyone could ask him what he had done in the last four years, whereas a coalition government could blame its partners.

Attack on opponents

In an apparent reference to the Gandhi family, Modi said those who had once turned the country into a jail were now going around the courts. Claiming the support of 125 crore Indians, he said those who had looted the country would have to return what they took.

Listing his government’s record, he highlighted affordable housing and other schemes for the poor delivered in four and a half years, which he said would have taken another government 25 years.

Dandi Memorial and youth conclave

Inaugurating the Dandi Memorial later, Modi recalled that critics had questioned Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha, and compared this to questions raised over the Swachh Bharat Mission and bank accounts for the poor.

At a youth conclave, he claimed his government had lifted the gloom among young people that had set in under the UPA. He said his government had carried out surgical strikes after the Uri attack, while the previous government had done little after the Mumbai attack beyond offering condolences.

What happened next

In the Lok Sabha election held between 11 April and 19 May 2019, the BJP won 303 of 543 seats and Modi was sworn in for a second term on 30 May 2019.

See also: Gujarat Vidhan Sabha members

Originally published on 31 January 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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