Shri Modi addresses public meetings in Karjan, Panchela, Bayad, Jalotara, Patan, Vijapur and Gandhinagar

Shri Modi launches scathing attack on Congress over FDI in retail. Seeks answers on the news report that Walmart paid Rs. 125 crore to enter India

Who pocketed these Rs. 125 crore and who has ruined the lives of the traders of India? In the court of the people let us show that a nation of 120 crore people cannot be bought: Shri Modi

Today Mrs. Sonia Gandhi came to Gujarat. She chose Dakor and Siddhpur so that Congress sins may be washed but Congress sins are such that even taking a dip in Siddhpur will not help: Shri Modi

I think Sonia Ben got papers of her 2007 speech. There was nothing about 2012 in it. She talked about 57 dark zones but haven’t dark zones gone? Asks Shri Modi

If Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has to talk about what Pandit Nehru did 50 years ago, you are admitting nothing happened for so many years: CM

You are shedding crocodile tears to farmers: CM to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi

For some people politics is a business, they believe in working for themselves only. Can we give such people a chance in Gujarat? Asks Shri Modi

Shri Modi talks of success of Sujalam Sufalam Yojana in North Gujarat

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi talks about poor law & order situation in Gujarat. Delhi is referred to as ‘crime capital’ and Gujarat is refereed to as ‘curfew free state!’ says Shri Modi

As an economist would have expected Prime Minister to rise above votebank politics: Shri Modi

 

 

On Monday 10th December 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed large public meetings in Karjan (Vadodara district), Panchela Bayad (Sabarkantha district), Jalotara (Banaskantha district), Patan (Patan district), Vijapur (Mehsana district) and Gandhinagar (Gandhinagar district). Shri Modi talked about the development initiatives in Gujarat and came down heavily on the Congress for their anti-Gujarat mindset. He delivered a fitting reply to Congress President, who addressed rallies in 2 places of Gujarat.

 

 

The Chief Minister talked at length about the development that has taken place in Gandhinagar over the last decade. He said that over the last decade Gandhinagar has emerged as an education capital with renowned Universities imparting quality education to students. He added that the city will see tremendous development in the field of solar energy and he also pointed out how the city would become a hub for conference tourism with the state of the art Mahatma Mandir.

The Chief Minister took on the UPA over the FDI in retail and expressed scathing criticism about the news report that Walmart paid Rs. 125 crore to enter India. He asked who pocketed these Rs. 125 crore and who has ruined the lives of the traders of India? He affirmed that the Congress may have won in the Parliament but it is for the people to show them that in the court of people that this decision is not acceptable. “A nation of 120 crore cannot be bought!” he avowed.

Shri Modi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Karamcharis and stated categorically that the development in Gujarat would not be possible without the lakhs of Karmayogis of Gujarat.

 

 

On Mrs. Sonia Gandhi addressing rallies in Patan and Siddhpur, Shri Modi commented, “She chose Dakor and Siddhpur so that the Congress’ sins are washed but their sins are such that even taking a dip in Siddhpur will not help.” On her speech he pointed, “I think Mrs. Sonia Gandhi got her 2007 speech with her. There was no issue of 2012! She says there are 57 dark zones but haven’t all dark zones gone? Fact that she was talking about dark zones shows she does not even have latest information.”

The Chief Minister declared that the fact that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has to quote Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, she is admitting that the Congress has not done anything since then.He said, “In Siddhpur Mrs. Sonia Gandhi spoke about Pandit Nehru. But after him many CMs, PMs came what did they do? Talk on that atleast. If you have to talk about what Pandit Nehru did 50 years ago you are admitting nothing happened for so many years and you deserve to be uprooted from Gujarat!”

 

Puncturing Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s lie on electricity situation in Gujarat he declared, “Madam Sonia ji, its better if you do not talk about electricity. Remember 4 months ago 19 states, 60 crore people in darkness. When the world media wrote about the darkness in India, they wrote that Gujarat where there was uninterrupted power!” The Chief Minister recalled that during Congress rule Langdi Vijli (interrupted power) was very common and this was because the Governments then did not build adequate substations. He stated, “During the Congress years 15 sub stations were built per year, we build the same number in a month!”He talked about the success of the Jyotigram Yojana in giving 24/7 power to the people.

 

 

Urging Mrs. Sonia Gandhi not to shed crocodile tears for the farmers, Shri Modi stated that despite having the machinery of the Centre, perennial rivers the Centre could not meet its target of 4% agriculture growth and was stuck at 2.5% whereas despite having only the Narmada, Tapi and a Rann constituting a large part of the state, Gujarat witnessed 11% growth in agriculture. He explained in detail how the overnight cotton export ban by the Centre caused immense losses to Gujarat’s farmers that too when prices were highest.

Taking on the UPA chairperson for her comment that there is unemployment in Gujarat, Shri Modi pointed, “Have you seen a youngster from Gujarat seeking a job outside? There is no district in India whose youngster is not working in Gujarat and sending money home.” He also cited a Government of India report that stated that Gujarat has the lowest unemployment in India and opined, “You do not trust us but you trust your Government? Your Government said in a report that if there is a state with the lowest unemployment it is Gujarat.”

He punctured the Congress lies that it was the Gujarat Government that delayed the Sardar Sarovar Dam. He shared that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did the Shilanyas of the project and after that nothing happened for the next 26 years. Likewise, Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not act on the file for 9 years and now Congress leaders accuse BJP of delaying the project! He listed the obstructionist attitude of the Centre be it not allowing permission to build gates on the project or the fact that Shri Modi had to fast for getting permission to raise height of the dam.

 

 

Commenting on Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s statement that the law and order situation in Gujarat is poor, Shri Modi stated that after the elections Mrs. Sonia Gandhi should visit the cities of Gujarat and on the streets she would find women riding scooters even during midnight. Shri Modi asked if the same could be said for Congress-ruled Delhi, where women do not venture out after sunset. He pointed for Delhi people say ‘crime capital’ whereas for Gujarat it is said ‘curfew free state!’

Similarly, he attacked Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s canard on the condition of women in Gujarat and reminded her that it was in Congress-ruled Haryana that rapes were happening everyday and she herself had to visit the victim.

Pointing to the lack of issues in the Congress campaign, Shri Modi affirmed that all Mrs. Sonia Gandhi could talk in South Gujarat was that her mother-in-law came here and as because you supported her please support us. He said that it would be better if she pointed out what the Congress did for Tribal communities, for the development of Gujarat but except abusing him they do not have any issue in the elections. Referring to a Congress leader’s comment that Shri Modi is a Vanar (monkey), the Chief Minister avowed that those who have read the Ramayana know the power of Vanar Shakti where Lord Hanuman is the embodiment of Bhakti and service. “If I am a Vanar then 6 crore Gujaratis are my Ram. Serving them is like serving Lord Ram for me.”

 

 

Shri Modi urged people to reject dynastic politics. He said that for many people politics is a business and they believe in working for themselves only. “Can we give such people a chance in Gujarat?” the Chief Minister questioned and added that such people will never work for the interests of society.

The Chief Minister recalled that when he brought the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, the Congress left no stone unturned to mislead the people and spread things like ‘Modi is a liar’ but he asked the people if the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana has not become a reality! Shri Modi affirmed that the Gujarat Government gave water to North Gujarat and further said that in the Congress rule, if they did even one thing they would use it for the 4 subsequent elections. He pointed that even the Centre has noted that Gujarat’s water table has risen from 3m to 13m and this is due to the steps taken by the state Government.

 

 

The Chief Minister declared that one can go to any part of Gujarat and in a radius of 25 km in any direction, one can see some or the other development work happening. He shared that very often people ask ‘how does Modi get the money’ to which he said that the money was always there, just that it is now completely spent for the welfare of the people! Shri Modi stated that he has no family or son-in-law so who would he accumulate for. “6 crore Gujaratis are my family. Their happiness is my happiness!” he opined.On the development front he categorically stated, “We have done more development in the last 10 years as compared to the development by Congress in their 40 years.”

He shared that if any youngster seeks a loan to start a new initiative, the Government would be the guarantor. “I am doing this because I have faith in the youth of Gujarat” he opined.

On the development of North Gujarat he shared that earlier youngsters front his region would go to Surat and Mumbai but that has stopped. The same region that was known for its scorching heat is now home to Asia’s largest solar park!

Shri Modi affirmed that if the Congress-led Government in Delhi had adopted Gujarat’s Disha then the Durdasha of the nation would not be what it is today.The Chief Minister expressed disappointment with the PM’s speech and said that as an economist one would have expected him to rise above votebank politics.He called upon the people to fulfill Gandhi ji’s dream of dismantling the Congress and termed it as the perfect tribute to the Father of the Nation.

The public meetings saw record attendance by people across all age groups and communities.

 

 

 

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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.