Next five years crucial for the country, says PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the next five years will be crucial for the country and noted that it is also significant that the country will have President and Vice-President from the BJP-led NDA during 2017-22. Mr Modi was speaking at the meeting of NDA MPs ahead of tomorrow’s voting in the election for the Office of Vice-President of India. Former Union Minister and an ex-BJP chief M Venkaiah Naidu is the NDA candidate and is pitted against united opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi. The Prime Minster also released two volumes of speeches and writings of Mr Naidu under the title “Tireless Voice-Relentless Journey”. Mr Modi said the incumbent government at the Centre got a clear majority in Lok Sabha after 30 years and can contribute in substantial measure to nation building with 2022 as the target in this regard. This needs to be accompanied by effective functioning of Parliament which is the collective responsibility of the Members of Parliament. Mr Modi noted that the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) needs to reflect on how it could guide the 125 crore Indians inspired by the spirit of discussions in the Constituent Assembly about the Upper House. He said, “We are fortunate to have the benefit of leadership of Shri Venkaiah Naidu in the House. By marking a vertical line against the name of Naidu in the ballot paper, we resolve to stand by him like a rock for the next five years". Referring to the concern among the people about functioning of legislatures, Mr Modi stressed that the need of the hour is to uphold the dignity of Parliament and its high traditions in which the members have a crucial role to play. Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said that Mr Naidu is an energetic person with proficiency in Hindi, English and Telugu and with good communication skills. BJP president Amit Shah also spoke on the occasion. In his remarks, LJP leader and Union Food Minister Ramvilas Paswan said Prime Minister has chosen the "best candidate" for the office of Vice President in Mr Naidu. UNI