Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launching the ruling BJP's campaign for next month's national election, said at a large rally in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut that "India's 130 crore people have made up their mind, it is this government again".

"Does this country need heroes of India or heroes of Pakistan? Do we need saboot (proof) or sapoot (good sons)? My country's sapoot are my biggest saboot," PM Modi said, referring to the row over the impact of India's Balakot strike on February 26, in retaliation against the Pulwama attack in which 40 soldiers were killed.

Targeting the Gandhis, he said: "It is only those who worry about their family who are under pressure." The Prime Minister also hit back at the opposition, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for their criticism of his televised address to the nation announcing the success of "Mission Shakti", or the testing of India's anti-satellite weapon.

"I spoke about ASAT (anti-satellite missile), some intelligent people thought I was talking about a theatre set," he said, directly referring to Rahul Gandhi's tweet sarcastically wishing him "Happy World Theatre Day."

India, said PM Modi, is "ready for chowkidari in space". He also summed up the election as a fight between "this chowkidar versus daagdar (corrupt)".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launching the ruling BJP's campaign for next month's national election, said at a large rally in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut that "India's 130 crore people have made up their mind, it is this government again".

"Does this country need heroes of India or heroes of Pakistan? Do we need saboot (proof) or sapoot (good sons)? My country's sapoot are my biggest saboot," PM Modi said, referring to the row over the impact of India's Balakot strike on February 26, in retaliation against the Pulwama attack in which 40 soldiers were killed.

Targeting the Gandhis, he said: "It is only those who worry about their family who are under pressure." The Prime Minister also hit back at the opposition, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for their criticism of his televised address to the nation announcing the success of "Mission Shakti", or the testing of India's anti-satellite weapon.

"I spoke about ASAT (anti-satellite missile), some intelligent people thought I was talking about a theatre set," he said, directly referring to Rahul Gandhi's tweet sarcastically wishing him "Happy World Theatre Day."

India, said PM Modi, is "ready for chowkidari in space". He also summed up the election as a fight between "this chowkidar versus daagdar (corrupt)".