My electoral win, a victory for all Indians across the world: PM Narendra Modi

New York: Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the result of the 2014 general elections in India, which had made him the head of government, was a victory and a celebration for Indians across the world.

In an one-hour-long address to a 20,000 plus crowd present at the Madison Square Garden here, Prime Minister Modi said, " The general elections of 2014, and its result, is a celebration not only for Indians in India, but also for Indian expatriates based in various parts of the world. At the time when I was declared the winner, I could not thank all of you, but today, I personally say thank you to all of you for my victory."

He further said, "It is a matter of great pride that 30 years later, for the first time, a single party (the BJP), has been able to form a majority government in India. No political pundit could anticipate it, no opinion makers could make an accurate opinion about it, India's villagers and citizens made opinion makers the subject of opinion."

Speaking on a more serious note, he said that to win an election is not about occupying a chair or a seat of power and authority, but "winning an election is a huge responsibility."

"Since taking charge, I have not gone on a vacation for even 15-minutes. It is my promise, that the responsibility that you have given me, I will do my best to ensure that your heads never hang in shame. The way the world economy is progressing at such a fast pace, Indians at home are asking questions as to how long it will take for us to be a part of this race," the Prime Minister said.

"I promise all Indians that we will take the road to development and fulfill all expectations. We will make development a national mass movement. I know all of you have huge expectations from India and its present government, and I am committed to goal that we will succeed in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of all Indians, "Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi's exhortation for a better and more progressive India came even as Indian American residents from all walks of live repeatedly expressed their joy and excitement over the prospect of hearing him live.

All those queuing up at the historic venue said that they had no regret about being present to hear him deliver an amazing speech. Some called it a once in a life time opportunity.

Indian Americans queued up to buy tickets for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at Madison Square Garden, with organizers saying that due to the tremendous demand for tickets they had to restrict almost 450 associations that became 'welcoming partners'.

In his departure statement while heading towards U.S., Prime Minister Modi had said, "I keenly await the opportunity to meet the Indian American community at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Their success in diverse fields, their contribution to the United States, their abiding bonds with India, and their role as a vibrant bridge between the two largest democracies is a source of pride for us. They serve as a window to our heritage, progress and potential."