Shri Modi addresses public meetings in Anand, Himatnagar and Maninagar 

Am surprised the President of a Party that is running the Government at the Centre and has Governments in so many states has to spread such lies: Shri Modi 

Maharashtra has Congress Government for over 10 years. If Delhi gave 108 to Gujarat wouldn’t they have given it to Maharashtra? Can you see it in Maharashtra? Diu, Daman and Silvassa are Union Territories directly under the Centre but there is no 108 serve there: Shri Modi 

Those who don’t even know the names of our districts are seeking votes to decide our future: CM 

Shri Modi demands a White paper and SIT on the closure of mills and the embezzlement of money by Textile Ministry in selling the mill lands 

Don’t teach us on unity of India- we are people of the land of Sardar Patel and on 15th December, his Punya Tithi is this a tribute you will give him- of dividing India? Asks Shri Modi

On Friday 14th December 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed a massive public meetings in Anand, Himmatnagar and his constituency Maninagar. He said that it is in the hands of the people to decide the future of Gujarat and that their vote decide who will take ahead Gujarat’s development journey in the years ahead.

The Chief Minister said that the Congress’ arrogance and negative politics would be the reason they will be defeated. “Come fight on the basis of truth” he urged the Congress leaders.

Referring to the lies spread by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi during her visit to Gujarat today, Shri Modi expressed surprise that the President of a Party that is running the Government at the Centre and has Governments in so many states has to spread such canards. He asked her why is she getting too restless that she has to speak such lies.

On Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s statement that the 108 service was brought to Gujarat by the Centre, Shri Modi said, “Maharashtra has a Congress Government for over 10 years. If Delhi gave 108 to Gujarat wouldn’t they have given it to Maharashtra? Can you see it in Maharashtra?” he asked. Likewise, the Chief Minister shared that Diu, Daman and Silvassa are Union Territories directly under the Centre but there is no 108 serve there. The Chief Minister recalled the times when the Congress ruled Gujarat, people had to wait endlessly for ambulance but now it is a matter of a few minutes that the ambulance comes!

Speaking on the campaign of the Congress, Shri Modi pointed, “Half of Delhi is in Gujarat. If you meet them ask them to name the districts of Gujarat,” and added, “Those who don’t even know the names of our districts are seeking votes to decide our future.” Shri Modi completely demolished the statement of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi that 2 mills in Kalol have shut down during BJP rule. He pointed that be it Ahmedabad, Kalol, Khambhat or Limbdi its been many years since mills were shut during Congress rule, leaving lakh of people unemployed. “Your Government did not even shed a tear for them!” he affirmed.

He asked in whose times were the mill shut demanded that there should be a White Paper of the issue and there should be an SIT supervised by the Supreme Court which should investigate- what happened to the land when the mills shut? How did the Government sell it? Under what rules was it sold by the Textile Ministry be it in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Anand, Khambhat, Limbdi or Coimbatore. The Chief Minister avowed that this would make it clear how much money was swindled off and who swindled it off. He added that all former Congress textile ministers have indulged in wide scale corruption and this must be probed.

Shri Modi said, “Mrs. Sonia Gandhi says Government of India gives electricity? Truth is they take electricity!” He recalled that 5 years ago, the Centre took away 200 MW electricity and when the state Government asked, the Government was told the power was taken as it had to be given it to Mumbai. He shared that till date the 200 MW has not been returned. He added that the state Government has given lot more connections in the last 10 years as compared to the connections the Congress gave in their 40 years. Shri Modi also shared that if there is a power cut in Gujarat it is news whereas if power comes in Delhi, that becomes news.

The Chief Minister said that just like Kashmir and Siachen, Pakistan has it’s eyes on Sir Creek and the Centre thinks a deal is doable on the issue of Sir Creek. He pointed that by giving away Sir Creek the safety of the nation is under threat. Shri Modi said, “I challenge Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to say that we wont give up Sir Creek. Take the votes but say it” and added, “We want assurances there is no deal with Pakistan regarding Sir Creek. But when they don't say anything, it means something is wrong”

He asked Mrs. Sonia Gandhi not to teach others on the unity of the nation. He avowed, “Don’t teach us on unity of India- we are people of the land of Sardar Patel and on 15th December, his Punya Tithi is this a tribute you will give him- of dividing India?”

Shri Modi pointed out instances of how the Congress cheats the people be it promising to bring down prices or snatching away gas cylinders. Shri Modi shared that the UPA has put the nation in a heavy debt of Rs. 40 lakh crore. The Chief Minister stated that in the last 10 years the Gujarat Government has levied not a single new tax on the people. “Earlier the money that came went to the pockets of the Congress. Now all that has changed” he affirmed.

Both public meetings witnessed record attendance as people from all sections of society came out to show solidarity with Shri Modi and the BJP.

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.