Modi bids farewell to his assembly seat, praises aide Shah

Set to become Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today bid an emotional farewell to his assembly constituency Maninagar here and praised his close aide Amit Shah, the architect of BJP's spectacular poll victory in Uttar Pradesh.
"It has never happened in the history that an MLA has been given farewell. Usually, MLAs are thrown out by people (in elections) but organising a function (farewell) is never considered," Modi said at a public meet in Maninagar, which is part of Ahmedabad city.
The newly-appointed Prime Minister, who was elected to Gujarat assembly from the constituency three times in a row, thanked the people for repeatedly reposing faith in him.

"Today, I came in a new role before you. Maninagar has ensured my victory three times and that too with more than 75 per cent votes," said Modi, who will will resign as Chief Minister and member of Gujarat assembly tomorrow.
"I remember when I came here during 2012 assembly election campaign, you people were shouting 'PM PM'. I then tried to make you understand that this election is for CM and not for PM. But the voice of masses is final," Modi said.
"I have to submit my resignation (from Maninagar) very soon. I will ensure you people get a better MLA than me," the BJP leader said.

Praising Shah, Modi said "Amitbhai provided us more than double (Lok Sabha) seats in Uttar Pradesh. BJP won more seats in UP than what Congress secured in all states put together."
"This is the best example of what a Gujarati can do if given responsibility," Modi said.