New Delhi: Enthused by BJP’s recent victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the party is now in power in 19 states, one more than the Congress at its peak under Indira Gandhi.

The PM also recalled the sacrifices of leaders who built the party over the years and exuded confidence that the BJP would win more state polls in the days to come.

"Congress under Indira Gandhi ruled in 18 states but the BJP and its allies have gained power in 19 states in the past three-and-a-half years. Soon, we shall win other state polls too," Modi said while addressing party MPs at the BJP parliamentary party meeting.

Modi turned emotional as he recounted his long association with party president Amit Shah, 14 years his junior. He said he groomed a young Shah into a national leader as he laid stress on giving opportunities to younger leaders in the party organisation.

Shah, who addressed party MPs before Modi, mentioned the hard work put in by the PM for the Gujarat and Himachal assembly polls. "Modiji used to call at 2 am followed by calls at 6 am too. I could not understand when he managed to sleep," Shah said. "Even after winning 77 seats in Gujarat, it is laughable that the Congress considers it their moral victory," he added.

Narrating the painstaking journey of ousting the Congress from its erstwhile bastion Gujarat, Modi broke down thrice as he recalled the contribution of several Jan Sangh and BJP leaders who worked tirelessly but passed away prematurely.

"Several leaders of BJP and Jan Sangh worked hard and were resilient in fighting the Congress in Gujarat. Today, I miss many of them who passed away early," the PM said in a choked voice.