Modi to NRIs: Good times ahead

New Delhi, Jan 9: The BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi Thursday said the prime minister's statement that there is no need to despair and good times lie ahead would certainly come true in the next few months - referring to the general elections.

Modi, during his speech at the 12 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the largest gathering of Indian diaspora in the world, drew loud applause and laughter from the packed audience at the Vigyan Bhavan when he said: "We may have to wait a few months, but I sincerely feel that good times are coming."

Modi, who got a round of applause before he got up to speak and while he was being introduced, said: "The prime minister had said a good thing during his speech here yesterday (Wednesday at the PBD) that there is no need to despair and good times are due to come".

He paused for the laughter and clapping to subside, and smilingly added: "I don't need to say anything more... we may have to wait a few months, five or six. But I sincerely feel that good times are coming."

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who spoke next, in a veiled rejoinder said that better days are sure to come as the government has laid a strong foundation with the steps it has taken through Right to Education and Right to Information.

Sangma, of the Congress, who spoke as many people in the audience began to leave after hearing Modi, said: "Better days will come as strong foundations have been laid, leading to visible transformative changes in the country... Indians are becoming more assertive, which is a positive thing."

He said revolutionary decisions have been taken by the country's leaders, which "were not easy to take in a country like ours". He also praised the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) as a major step that has helped stabilise rural wages and boosted agricultural sector.