Narendra Modi in tears while making a speech at his party MPs' meet
Narendra Modi today fought back tears as he thanked his BJP after being endorsed as the country's next Prime Minister. "Please don't use the word kripa (blessing) while talking about me, Advaniji," he said, addressing the veteran who was seated near him.
He paused for a drink of water and composed himself before continuing.
Mr Advani had broken down while embracing Mr Modi moments after party MPs endorsed his proposal to name him their leader, setting the stage for the new BJP-led government.
"I have a weakness..,. I am prone to tears. I thank the party and Narendra Modi for doing the kripa of letting me witness an unforgettable moment in our history," said the 86-year-old, explaining why he cried.
An emotional Mr Modi responded, "Advani ji said I did him kripa. Please don't use this word. Can a son ever do his mother kripa? The party is my mother, it has done me the favour of giving me an opportunity to serve it."
Many in the large audience of newly elected BJP MPs appeared equally moved.
"You see Modi not because Modi's stature is large. You See Modi because party elders hoisted me on their shoulders," said the PM-to-be, who led the party to a historic victory in the national election; the BJP became the first party in 30 years to win a majority on its own and won 336 with its allies.
Earlier today, Mr Modi, 63, bowed down and touched the ground with his forehead while entering the Parliament House for the first time. He began his half-hour speech in the historic central hall on an emotional note. "Had Atal Bihari Vajpayee been well, his presence would have completed this moment," he said, his voice catching.
"We're here not for posts but to represent the aspirations of 125 crore people. Fulfilling my responsibility is the main thing."
He promised MPs, "An era of responsibility has begun. When we meet in 2019, I will give you and my countrymen a report card... I will live for India."
The BJP's allies in the National Democratic Alliance, who joined the gathering, also made emotional speeches as they unanimously endorsed Mr Modi. He is expected to be sworn in as the country's 14th Prime Minister on Monday.