National Convention of Overseas Friends of BJP-USA at Tampa, FL
BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora through live satellite during the concluding session of the two-day National Convention of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)–USA on September 21. The telecast was facilitated by TV Asia across USA, Canada, Europe and India. A huge and very enthusiastic gathering of over 1500 people assembled at the India Cultural Center (ICC) Hall in a festive mood to listen to the most popular leader of India.
Shri Modi began his speech by paying condolences to the victims of Nairobi Westgate Mall terrorism in which several Indian origin people were also killed. While condemning the attack in the strongest terms he stated that there cannot be two yardsticks in case of terrorism and nations cannot be selective in their approach. From the land of Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the message of peace, he said that it is for us to spread the message of humanity and peace. “Let us get the forces of humanity together and make the world free of terror”.
Highlighting the achievements of the NDA Government under Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri LK Advani, he said the UPA Government led by Congress Party took the nation in a downward spiral with its massive corruption and misgovernance. The growth rate was 8.4 per cent during the NDA Government and now it is 4.8 per cent during this UPA Government. He said that people are looking only towards BJP to save the country from the current crisis.
He said that the 2014 elections would be people’s voice as post Emergency 1977 elections during which neither media nor pundits could influence the voters. He said that he gave his performance report in 2012 elections and challenged UPA Government to publish its performance report on its 9 years of rule. He alerted the Indian diaspora that vested interest groups are shielding the “misgovernance” of the Congress.
Shri Modi urged the OFBJP workers and BJP sympathisers to visit the new website www.272.com and learn all about BJP’s efforts to defeat Congress and its allies and usher in a new era in India. He said that 2014 elections are not about any post but to wipe the tears of the poor. Asking the party workers to work hard, he said that “Individuals are small, they come and go but the nation is eternal.” During his entire speech Indian American community displayed placards with slogans such as “Jee-Jaan Laga Denge”, “BJP 272+”, “We Can. We Will” etc. and cheered Shri Modi frequently with thunderous applause.
The Convention was inaugurated by BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP, vice president and a leading Indian television artist Smriti Irani on September 20. Over 150 delegates including the members of National Council and Executive Committee, and Advisory Council attended the convention. The delegates representing OFBJP’s 22 chapters in USA had assembled to brain storm and evolve an effective strategy to achieve the goal of Mission 2014: a clear majority for the BJP in the next Parliamentary elections. Over 500 people attended the inaugural session on Friday evening. The theme of the convention was Mission 2014: BJP 272+.
Smt Irani highlighted the achievements of Gujarat government headed by its visionary Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi through sheer hard work and good governance under trying circumstances.
The conference convener and President Elect Shri Chandrakant Patel acted as emcee and President Shri Jayesh Patel welcomed the delegates. Shri Prodyut Bora and others spoke on the occasion while Tampa chapter coordinator Shri Lalji Goswami proposed a vote of thanks.
