Modi pays homage to martyred soldiers, Gandhi and pledges to strive for national security

Hours before taking charge of governance for the second consecutive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government will leave no stone unturned to safeguard India’s unity and integrity and that national security is “our priority”.

“India is proud of all those brave men and women martyred in the line of duty. Paid tributes to our brave soldiers at the Rashtriya Samar Smarak,” Prime Minister tweeted after paying homage to martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

“Our Government will leave no stone unturned to safeguard India’s unity and integrity. National security is our priority,” he wrote.

Modi started the day by offering homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister and his council of ministers on Thursday evening at the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises.

Leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Ec0nomic Cooperation) countries will attend the solemn function. The BIMSTEC countries include Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand , Nepal and — Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand , Nepal and Bhutan

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid and other leaders from BIMSTEC nations have already arrived to attend the ceremony.

Modi also paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial Sadaiv Atal. “We remember beloved Atal Ji every single moment. He would have been very happy to see BJP get such a great opportunity to serve people. Motivated by Atal Ji’s life and work, we will strive to enhance good governance and transform lives,” he wrote in another tweet.

On paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Modi wrote: “Paid tributes to respected Bapu at Rajghat. This year, we mark the 150th Jayanti of Bapu. May this special occasion further popularise Bapu’s noble ideals and continue inspiring us to empower the lives of the poor, downtrodden and marginalised.” (UNI)