**New Delhi, June 7:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc on Friday, suggesting that their allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering were baseless. Addressing a meeting of newly elected MPs, Modi asserted that the opposition’s attempts to cast doubt on the integrity of India’s democratic process by blaming EVMs had failed.
“When results were coming out on June 4, I was busy with work. Phone calls started coming in later. I asked someone, numbers are fine, tell me EVM zinda hai ki mar gaya (Is the EVM dead or alive). Before 4 June, these people (opposition) were constantly blaming EVMs and they were determined to make people lose faith in the democratic process of India. I thought they would take out the funeral procession of the EVM,” PM Modi said.
He further emphasized the strength of India’s democracy, stating, “But by the evening of June 4, unko taale lag gaye. EVM ne unko chup kar diya (EVM silenced them). This is the strength of India’s democracy, its fairness. I hope I won’t get to hear about EVM for 5 years. But when we go into 2029, perhaps they will again harp about EVM. The country will never forgive them.”
Modi also took aim at the Congress party, highlighting their inability to secure significant seats in recent elections. He underlined the enduring trust in the NDA, expressing confidence in meeting the nation’s expectations in the coming years.
Additionally, Modi was formally elected as the leader of the BJP, leader of NDA Parliamentary Party, and leader of the Lok Sabha. He emphasized the inclusive nature of the NDA alliance and its commitment to the nation’s welfare.
“For me, all the leaders of all the parties are equal in the Parliament. When we talk about Sabka Prayaas, for us everyone becomes equal whether they are from our party or not. This is the reason the NDA alliance has been strong and moved ahead in the last 30 years,” he said.
Modi also vowed to continue striving towards consensus within the NDA, asserting its status as the most successful alliance in Indian politics. He concluded by affirming the NDA’s dedication to good governance and thanked alliance leaders for their support.
Earlier this week, leaders of parties in the NDA passed a resolution to elect Narendra Modi as their leader, paving the way for his third consecutive term as Prime Minister. According to sources, Modi is expected to take oath on June 9.
