We need to fight against vested interest group in 2014 polls: Modi to NRIs

Narendra Modi urged the Indian American community to play a meaningful role in the victory of BJP in the 2014 general elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has challenged UPA leaders to submit a performance report on nine-years of rule and hoped that the 2014 general elections, like in 1977, would reflect the voice of the people of India.

"This government, which has downgraded the country, has to go. Let us affirm that this Government has to go democratically. We should work for a progressive BJP Government," the Gujarat Chief Minister said in his address to the Indian Diaspora through a live video conference.

"Like 1977, 2014 will be the voice of the people," Modi said.

Related: Modi attacks PM over falling rupee, says UPA 'too arrogant'

"This election is not about any post, but to wipe the tears of the poor. It is not the farmers, the tribal, the marginalised," Modi said in his first address to the diaspora after being nominated as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prime ministerial candidate.

He urged the Indian American community, particularly his supporters, to play a meaningful role in the victory of his party in the upcoming general elections next year.

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"As soon as I finish (my speech) they will start, what Modi said, but friends, Modi gave answers to the people in December 2012 and BJP was chosen I want to tell the Congress friends. Do you at least agree that when Vajpayee Government was there growth rate was 8.4 per cent but now it is 4.8 per cent under this (UPA) Government," Modi said.

Related: Modi slams UPA, says country needs 'strong leadership'

Modi alleged that the Congress Party is "running away" from giving its performance report. He charged that a strong "vested interest group" is shielding the Congress party from its mis-governance.