Warned Pak of action if pilot did not return: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

Addressing a poll rally at Patan on the last day of campaigning, Modi asserted his government's commitment towards national security. He said that it was because of his government's tough stand that Pakistan was forced to release Wing Commander Varthaman.

"Our message was very clear. Our soldier should not be harmed. He should be released immediately. Even America had warned that India was planning something big, and had readied 12 missiles towards Pakistan. It would have been 'qatal ni raat' if Pakistan had not announced his release," PM Modi said.

Playing the 'son of the soil' card, PM Modi appealed voters to ensure that the BJP won all 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

"Even if there is a loss of just one seat from Gujarat, analysts will taunt you that BJP lost in Gujarat. Don't give them this opportunity," said PM Modi. The state goes for polls on April 23.

"I am your child. You are my family. Is it not your duty to take care of your child?" he asked.

Taking a jibe at NCP leader Sharad Pawar, PM Modi said that he is unaware of his next move. "How can Pakistani PM Imran Khan gauge what he will do," he said.

The PM said that the entire country wanted him to act after the Pulwama terror attack. "They thought Modi will attack from here, Modi will attack from there but being a devotee of Lord Hanuman, we attacked from the sky," PM Modi said.

ELECTION DATE

• Gujarat will goes for polls on Tuesday, April 23
   
• PM Modi tells voters to ensure BJP wins all 26 LS seats