Modi attends first press conference but takes no questions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended first ever press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) head office in Delhi - days before Indians take part in the final stage of voting.

But journalists were left disappointed as he did not take any questions, and instead largely talked about his government's achievements, reports BBC.

"I have come to thank the country for blessing me. I have seen a lot of ups and downs but the country stayed with me," he said.

Mr Modi also spoke of his pride in India's democratic process and said he needs to show the world "how diverse our democracy is".

Mr Modi was seated next to party president Amit Shah. He said he would not take questions because the press conference was Mr Shah's.

Earlier, the prime minister said he would "never be able to forgive" those who have "insulted" Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Modi's statement comes after controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician Pragya Thakur called Nathuram Godse - the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi - a "patriot".

Ms Thakur apologised after several leaders, including those from the BJP, criticised her.

"Such statements should be condemned. There is no place in society for such comments. She [Ms Thakur] may have apologised, but I will never be able to forgive her," he said in an interview to News24 TV channel.