"Shri Narendra Modi addresses rallies in Uttar Pradesh"
"UPA is going and NDA will form the government. This was ensured by those who voted. Now you have to vote for a stable Govt: Shri Modi in UP"
"Be it the earth, the seas and the skies, the Congress has left nothing in corruption. They made a Scam India: Shri Modi"
"Divide and rule is the way Congress does their politics while we say let’s unite and do development: Shri Modi"
"SP and BSP. What is their work? Support Congress in Delhi but come to Lucknow and sing a different tune. They are 1: Shri Modi in Uttar Pradesh"
"They are fighting for the chair while I am fighting for your happiness: Shri Modi in UP"
"For years I never heard Madam Sonia remember Almighty in a rally but now things are so bad she is remembering Almighty: Shri Modi in Uttar Pradesh"
Watch : Shri Narendra Modi addressing a Public Meeting in Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh
Addressing massive rallies across Uttar Pradesh on the afternoon of 2nd May, Shri Narendra Modi spoke of his thorough focus on developing the eastern part of the country and getting it at par with its western counterpart. Shri Modi also exposed the Congress’ duplicity wherein they were only concerned about the ‘kursi’ (chair), and urged the people to vote for the BJP and form a government that was concerned about people’s ‘khushi’ (happiness). Shri Modi spoke at Khalilabad, Basti, Gonda and Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh.
Terming the Congress’ Manifesto as ‘Dhokha Patra’, Shri Modi spoke of how many promises made in their past Manifestos were never fulfilled, and kept getting repeated in the subsequent Manifestos. He also spoke of how the Congress dodged every question posed to them, surrounding their inefficiency, by only referring to ‘secularism’. Shri Modi said that hiding under the garb of secularism was the Congress’ strategy of hiding their faults and misleading the people, so as to grab the ‘Chair’. In contrast, the BJP’s sole aim was the people’s progress and the Nation’s development, said Shri Modi, and added, “The Congress is fighting for the kursi (chair) while I am fighting for your khushi (happiness).”
Shri Modi also stated the rampant corruption prevalent in the country and spoke of how the Congress’ unabashed indulgence in various scams had lent the moniker of ‘Scam India’ for the Nation. He highlighted how the Congress’ politics was about ‘divide and rule’, while for the BJP, it was about uniting the people and ensuring development. Affirming of his vision for a ‘Skilled India’ as opposed to the Congress’ ‘Scam India’, Shri Modi stated that for the Congress ‘Divide India’ was the priority, while for him making a ‘Digital India’ was of importance.
Exposing the duplicity of the SABKA – SP, BSP and Congress – wherein they pretended to be adversaries in UP, but were, in fact, associates in Delhi, Shri Modi urged the people not to get fooled anymore by such tactics. “SP and BSP. What is their work? Support Congress in Delhi but come to Lucknow and sing a different tune. They are one,” said Shri Modi, while adding how the Father-Son (referring to Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav) and the ‘Chacha-Bhatija’ (referring to Shivpal Singh Yadav and Akhilesh) led government had ruined the State.
Shri Modi also shared his vision of developing the Eastern part of the country and making it at par with its prospering Western counterpart. Skill development for the youth, empowerment of farmers through the introduction of technology in agriculture, providing regular power and sanitation facilities, and supporting the defunct sugar factories in the State, were other aspects stressed upon by Shri Modi, who further highlighted the BJP’s focus on determining the Minimum Support Price for the farmers with a more standard approach.
Speaking in Basti, Shri Modi recalled his early days, wherein he was called off from the campaigning in the region and entrusted with the responsibility of heading Gujarat as the Chief Minister.
Shri Modi also acclaimed the country’s democratic set up, under which a tea seller like him could become the Prime Ministerial candidate. Further, asserting that the Nation could be rid of corruption, Shri Modi affirmed of his strong stand against corrupt practises and incorrect policies, and cited how, despite him being the CM of Gujarat, his mother had gone in an auto rickshaw to cast her vote.
Seeking the people’s support in forming an NDA led government at the Centre, Shri Modi urged them to send all Lotuses from UP to Delhi and assured them of a strong and stable government. He appealed to them to vote for the BJP and choose a ‘sevak’ to serve the country.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
