"Shri Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Gujarat and surrounding UTs"
"2014 is a movement towards Surajya to realize the aspirations of people: Shri Modi in Gujarat"
"Congress has never faced such problems as it is today. It is leaderless: Shri Modi"
"If the Mother says 1 lie the son says 2 and then the mother says 3. There is a competition: Shri Modi on Congress"
"Rahul ji you are being kept in the dark and that is why either you are telling lies or being told to tell lies: Shri Modi on Congress"
"Congress keeps questioning us but here, which is under your control, have you been able to give water, take care of tribal community: Shri Modi to Congress government"
"In Gujarat we passed bill for reservation for women in local bodies. 3 times it was passed but Governor (a woman) stalled it: Shri Modi in Gujarat"
"Being UTs I have not yet got the opportunity to serve you. To serve you, we must do so from Delhi: Shri Modi in Daman"
Watch : Shri Narendra Modi addressing a Public Meeting in Daman (Daman & Diu)
On 26th April, Shri Narendra Modi addressed massive rallies at various places in Gujarat and the surrounding UTs. Beginning with Daman and Silvassa, Shri Modi went on to address a large crowd of supporters at Mahuva, Pavi Jetpur, Bharuch and Rajkot in Gujarat. Highlighting the State’s inspiring and inclusive growth under the BJP, Shri Modi urged the people to vote for the Party and replicate the success story for the Nation. He further appealed to the people to end the ruin caused by the Congress and wipe out their presence in the Nation.
Shri Modi spoke of the Congress’ inconsideration for the people who had voted it to power, and stated how their approach towards the poor and the Adivasis was that of utter disregard. He mentioned how the Congress treated the poor as a source of entertainment and tourist pursuit, whereby they publicized their visits to the homes of the poor, for political gains. Their indifference to the Dalits and Adivasis was also cited by Shri Modi, who said that, despite being in power for over 50 years, the Congress had never bothered to address the concerns of the oppressed. He added that it was only under the BJP – led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji – that a separate Ministry was formed for the welfare of the Adivasis., and cited the successful model of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana which had benefitted the tribal population immensely.
The Congress’ anxiety over the meteoric rise of Shri Modi’s popularity was spoken off by him, when he stated how the massive show of support during his nomination filing in Varanasi was giving them sleepless nights. Shri Modi also disproved the Congress Vice President’s statement of very little women participation in the State - which he had made during his address in Amreli today morning – by citing how innumerable representations for 50% women reservation in local bodies had been made in the Vidhan Sabha, but the Governor (who belongs to the Congress) had never approved it. “Rahul ji, you are being kept in the dark and that is why either you are telling lies or being told to tell lies,” said Shri Modi, while further adding, “If the Mother says 1 lie the son says 2 and then the mother says 3. There is a competition,” he said.
Giving a befitting reply to the Congress Party’s critique of whether Shri Modi’s reference of ‘a tsunami being witnessed during the polls’ was related to bringing destruction in the country, Shri Modi said that destruction was imminent, but of only those who had ruined the Nation and filled their pockets at the cost of people’s progress.
Speaking in the UTs of Daman and Silvassa, Shri Modi addressed the grave issues of killings of fishermen from neighbouring countries, lack of proper infrastructure, and slackness in promoting tourism. He also stated how, despite being in power for more than a decade, the UPA government had failed in providing even the basic amenities like water and sanitation to the people of the UTs. He also condemned the Congress’ lack of concern for the tribal segment, and said, “Congress keeps questioning us but here, which is under your control, have you been able to give water, take care of tribal community.” Reinforcing the BJPs focus on good governance and development, Shri Modi assured the Party’s focus on building the potential of every domain crucial to the Nation’s development, and affirmed of giving due emphasis to the centrally-run UTs. He expressed his desire to serve the UTs and stated how he could only do this if given the opportunity to lead the government in Delhi.
Shri Modi stated how the polling till date had already reinforced the ouster of the Congress, and urged the people to vote in large numbers and lay the foundation for a strong and stable government at the Centre. Terming the 2014 Elections as ‘Surajya nu andolan’, Shri Modi urged the youth to vote in large numbers on 30th April, and assured them that the new government will work towards making their dreams come true.
Watch: Pavi Jetpur, Vadodara: Shri Narendra Modi addressing a Public Meeting
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.
