Hundreds gather in New Jersey to celebrate PM Modi’s victory in recent state assembly polls

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A celebratory mood prevailed as hundreds of well-wishers and supporters of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, milled around excitedly, laughing, and discussing his victory in the recent state assembly elections in India. The event was held December 11, 2023, and was hosted by the Overseas Friends of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, under the leadership of President Dr. Prasad Adapa.

Krishna Reddy Anugula, past president of OFBJP told Desi Talk approximately 300-350 people were present. The celebration included messages read aloud, speeches, singing of patriotic songs on the stage with BJP banner in the backdrop, waving of Indian flag, and lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

In his opening speech, Anugula welcomed attendees and congratulated Prime Modi for the BJP victory in three states, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, expressing the hope that Modi would win in the May 2024 general elections for a third term. Anugula also explained OFBJP’s status in the US where it is registered as an official representative of the BJP, under the Foreign Agent Registration Act, FARA.

Representatives of several community organizations were also present at the event, including several dignitaries like Dr. Sudhir Parikh of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, Chandrakant Patel, past president of OFBJP, Dr. Piyush Patel, Tarangi Soni of the Rajasthan Organization, as well as Veeru Patel, Dhiren Amin, president of Indian Business Association, H.R. Shah of TV Asia, Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace, and Jayesh Patel, past president of OFBJP, and one of the main volunteers, and Kulraaj Anand of Radio Zindagi.

Anugula said the victory was “the result of the good work and good governance. People are ready. These are semi finals. The 3 states won handsomely. The NRIs are excited and ready for 2024 elections. We are very confident that BJP will win. NRIs will do their part – may be chitchat or calling their friends,” Anugula said.

Dr. Parikh said, “Today is a really great celebration here for the historic victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The victory of BJP, as Krishna Reddy mentioned, is the victory of development, great governance and great vision.” He also projected a win for Modi in 2024, and congratulated those supporting Modi for their hard work and for continuing to do so till May 2024. He praised Jayesh Patel and Anugula for organizing the event.

Speculation is rife among poll watchers and experts that Modi’s victory in the state assemblies means a win in 2024, and all speakers predicted that outcome.

Jasani welcomed attendees and urged them to visit the opening of the Ramji Temple in Gujarat.

Speaking to ITV Gold, Harshad Patel, executive vice president of OFBJP, said, “This is a big victory. The victory in 2024 is starting here today. Modi will come back again. Whatever he does for India is good and for India’s growth.”

Piyush Patel noted how the BJP had won an outright majority in states like Rajasthan and Jharkhand both of which had Congress governments. “This is a major accomplishment of Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and BJP adhyaksha J.P. Nadda. I congratulate all of them for this magnificent victory that makes us and India extremely proud. Narendra Modi government will continue to accomplish this kind of achievement and make India proud again.”

Woodbridge Township, NJ, Councilman Veeru Patel, noted how hundreds of leaders, business owners, politicians, elected officials, were at the event to celebrate BJP’s victory. “I would like to congratulate all of BJP team who dedicatedly worked for the last few years and made sure ultimately they win.” He also thanked OFBJP for hosting the event.

In his speech, Dr. Parikh led cheer of “hip-hip-hooray” for Modi. He lauded India’s development saying “If you go to India you can see very obviously that India has progressed so much that there is not much difference between India and USA other than dollar and rupees.”

Soni of the Rajasthan organization said the victories would lead towards a bigger victory in the fashion of tiny drops filling a lake. She said her organization was waiting eagerly for announcement of the chief minister of Rajasthan.

Anand praised the work Modi has done to create a confidence and feeling of safety among the younger generation to operate businesses in India. “We all came here to give our children good values and education, and our children are doing good globally. Our children are happy and would love to go back to India,” he said.

Speakers urged Indian Americans to rally behind BJP, and encourage their family members and friends in India to vote for that party in 2024.