Modi says govt showed courage for surgical strike on land, air and space; compares 'dumdaar BJP' to 'daagdar oppn'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the BJP's campaign from Uttar Pradesh with a blistering attack on the opposition while keeping the focus on a strong government, saying his administration had shown the courage to conduct a surgical strike in all spheres -- land, sky and space.

The contest is between a "a decisive government and an indecisive past", Modi said at the BJP's Vijay Sankalp rally in this western Uttar Pradesh town a day after announcing that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

He said the country's 130 crore people had made up their mind that the NDA would return to power.

"...India has made up its mind who to vote for...For proof, see the large number of people attending this rally," he said amid loud applause from the gathering.

Calling himself the nation's 'chowkidar', Modi said, "It was this chowkidar's government that had the courage to conduct surgical strikes on land, sky and space. India should develop, India should be secure from enemies."
Taking a swipe at the Congress' minimum income scheme, 'Nyay', Modi said, "People who couldn't open bank accounts are now saying that they will directly transfer money to the poor. What will they possibly do?"
"Under these 'mahamilawati' group of leaders, did you see how terrorists flourished...Did you not see incidents of terror from across the country under their rule?" he asked
Modi also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his mocking tweet congratulating him on World Theatre Day on Wednesday and said, "You all saw how India created history yesterday by achieving a feat in space to ensure we emerge stronger globally and to ensure our safety. But see the kind of funny things people in the opposition have been saying."
Playing on the words 'saboot' and 'sapoot', the Hindi words for proof and good son, he attacked the opposition for seeking evidence of the surgical strike. "Do we need 'saboot' or sapoot... those who seek evidence are challenging the sapoot."