Narendra Modi addresses rally in Gulbarga,Karnataka Friday Feb 28,2014

The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi sought to cast himself as a poor man, a servant of the people who has risen to prominence due to the strong democracy in the country, at a pre-election rally in Gulbarga

Speaking to a large crowd in a region where the BJP has traditionally enjoyed a strong support
base Narendra Modi referred to himself and said if democracy had not become so deep rooted in India, then “a boy who sold tea in train compartments would not be before you today”.
“When I look back to my childhood, what I see is a mother who washed dishes to earn a living and a son who sold tea — now being cheered by the whole country,”

In a speech that was remarkably toned down in terms of barbs aimed at the Congress and the UPA — compared to speeches Narendra Modi made earlier this month in Karnataka — the BJP’s prime minister candidate showed signs of making attempts to reach out to the poorer sections of society.

“Those born in poverty, those who live in hardship, if you give them a little affection they are willing to give their lives for you. I was also born in poverty. When you give me love, my mind tells me to put everything I have at your feet,”
 “I want to serve you in return for the love you show me. I want to get rid of your problems. The country needs servants, not rulers. We have had enough of rulers,”
“The Congress is tongue-tied when it comes to price rise. The UPA government has become a burden on the country,”
“People of the country have understood that the reason for their troubles is the Congress. For the poor, youth and farmers, the most important thing is to uproot the Congress,”