Shri Modi addresses large meeting of party workers in Isanpur area of Ahmedabad. This is part of Maninagar seat that Shri Modi represents

 Shri Modi speaks on various issues ranging from democracy, politics to the Gujarat elections

 Congress has done such sins that the people will never forgive them: Shri Modi

 Elections are biggest festivals of democracy, a great opportunity to strengthen team sprit: Shri Modi

In the last 11 years Gujarat has created a new faith and a trust in the institution of democracy among the people who had lost faith in the political system due to the political culture the Congress has created: CM

 In a time when Congress totally dominated the politics of the country, former PM Rajiv Gandhi said for every Rupee going out 15p reaches the village. He gave the problem not the solution. It was the hand that was taking away the money: Shri Modi 

If 100 paisa leave Gandhinagar, every single paisa reaches the poor. Middlemen are unemployed in Gujarat: Shri Modi 

BJP follows politics of development, Congress follows votebank politics: Shri Modi 

CM attacks Congress for doing great injustice to Gujarat be it GUJCOC or Gas Pipeline issue

On Monday 19th November Shri Modi addressed a large number of party workers in the Isanpur area of Ahmedabad. The area falls under the Maninagar Assembly seat, which Shri Modi has been representing since a decade. In a comprehensive and inspiring speech Shri Modi shed light on a variety of issues ranging from democracy, national politics and the elections in Gujarat. He also expressed his wishes to the people on the start of the Gujarati New Year. He stated that the Congress has done such sins that the people will never forgive them.

The Chief Minister described elections as the biggest festival in democracy and termed them as opportunities to integrate the common man into the political process. He stated that not only those above 18 but also small children learn about the system during the elections. Shri Modi added that elections are not only about victory and defeat but an occasion of Lok Shikshan (people’s education) and further shared that during election times many issues pertaining to the people come to our notice and if we can work on them after the election, the respect for democracy in the minds of the common people increases tremendously. Even from the organization point of view, Shri Modi said elections are a great opportunity to strengthen team spirit.

Motivating the workers of Maninagar, Shri Modi said that he is leaving this 1 seat on their shoulders as he goes to work on the 181 other seats. “You work in Maninagar for the victory of one candidate here and I will work for victory of the remaining 181 seats... Let us see who wins this race of victory margins” he said, as the workers gave a thundering applause! He gave the example of Mahatma Gandhi as an effective Lok Sangrahak (organizer) and asked everyone to take inspiration from his method of mobilizing people into a movement.

Shri Modi stated that in the last 11 years the Gujarat has done something remarkable, which is creating a new faith and a trust in the institution of democracy among the people who had lost faith in the political system due to the political culture the Congress has created. He urged political pundits to take not of this but added that either they will either take ages to understand it or will not be brave enough to write about it.

The Chief Minister further shared that in these last 11 years the Gujarat Government has shown that with the same system it is possible to bring about change and create a faith in an atmosphere of mistrust.

Shri Modi declared that the allegations he has encountered are allegations such as ‘You promised 10 km roads but made 8 kms or you promised to build 500 schools and build 350’, which are all centered around development but in case of Congress people only talk about scams to the tune of 1 lakh crore and CWG scams! He affirmed that no one asks the Congress about development now. The Chief Minister also shared the large number of calls he received complementing him for the Kankaria Lakefront Development, which has given a wonderful recreation place for the citizens.

Recalling what former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (that if one Rupee goes out, by the time it reaches the villages it becomes 15p), Shri Modi stated that Mr. Gandhi made these comments at a time when there was complete control of the Congress on the politics of the country. Yet he only gave the problem and did not talk about the solution. Shri Modi further opined that in reality it was their Hand that swindled the money.

The solution to this has been found in Gujarat over the past 11 years, he said- if 100 paisa leaves Gandhinagar, every single paisa reaches the poor. The Chief Minster asserted that middlemen have become unemployed in Gujarat.

On the relation of the Congress with the people of Gujarat, Shri Modi affirmed that the people of Gujarat know the Congress from head to toe and if the Congress is out of power in most Taluka Panchayats, Zila Panchayats, Nagar Palikas etc. then Gandhinagar is a distant dream for them. He expressed surprise that despite being rejected by the people repeatedly the Congress comes and stands in front of them! He attributed the Congress interest in Gujarat to the fact that there is prosperity in the state- if Gujarat was poor the Congress would never bother, Shri Modi said.

Comparing the difference in their politics, Shri Modi categorically spoke that the BJP follows politics of development whereas for the Congress it is votebank politics. He further spoke that the Congress thought the BJP would make the same mistake of following votebank politics but they have been proven totally wrong. He expressed surprise at the fact that same Congress that thrived on votebank politics and dividing society is now talking about 6 crore Gujaratis in their ads, indicating that atleast they have learnt something. Shri Modi’s advise for the Congress was that if they aspire to make a foothold in Gujarat they must quit votebank politics and embrace politics of development. Till they do not do that, the people will not look at them.

Shri Modi recalled the days of the Congress Government when in every 10 years, 3 Rath Yatras passed in curfew and curfews were common even after cricket matches. All this is history now!

The Chief Minister threw light on a separate Dirty Tricks Department of the Congress whose sole agenda is to create dirty, character assassinate people, publish scurrilous literature etc. He shared that the Congress has spent crores on these methods that are highly unbecoming in a democracy. Shri Modi urged the Congress that they should believe in talking in the open, each side must properly place their points and let the people judge but sadly the Congress believes in lies and nothing else.

During his speech Shri Modi gave several instances of the Congress’ anti-Gujarat mindset. He recalled how IT Notices were sent to those who took part in the Vibrant Gujarat summits and brought investment to Gujarat. Similarly, despite having a 2/3rd majority in the Assembly 2 times, the state Government has been receiving roadblocks from the Centre on the GUJCOC Bill despite the fact that Congress ruled Maharashtra has the same bill. Shri Modi questioned if the people of Gujarat be allowed to suffer injuries at the hands of terrorist? The same injustice is being done in the case of Gujarat’s initiative to provide piped gas to the people.

Shri Modi strongly urged the Congress that if they have a problem with him, they should hang him but they should stop doing injustice to the 6 crore people of Gujarat! He shared that when the Congress assumed power in 2004, on the second day they released an order that they will impose 356 and send Modi to jail instead of laying out a vision for development of the states.

The Chief Minister observed that despite the Congress not leaving any stone unturned to destroy Gujarat the state has made a mark for itself in development at the international stage. The Congress on the other hand has only cheated the people, be it promising to bring prices down in 100 days or promising free power to farmers in Maharashtra and not delivering on the same. He said that since many many years we are hearing the slogan of ‘Garibi Hatao’ but despite ruling the nation for most number of years since 1947 has the Congress removed poverty?

Shri Modi asked the workers to go out and tell every citizen the truth about the Congress and how they have ruined the nation. He narrated the example of how the 2 economists of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (headed by Smt. Sonia Gandhi) were unceremoniously removed. Their “crime”- they praised the development in Gujarat. He expressed joy that the latest BJP advertisements of the Captain and Vice Captain are generating a tremendous response in Gujarat.

The Chief Minister urged workers to continue to work hard for the elections, obey the Model Code of Conduct and said that victory was guaranteed as there has been development. For Shri Modi, V is both for Vikas and Victory. He again stated that Gujarat will celebrate Diwali on 20th December and despite the entire Delhi descending on Gujarat, the resounding chorus in the state will be ‘Ekmat Gujarat, Bane Bhajap Sarkar!’

Those gathered there showed great enthusiasm in Shri Modi’s priceless words.

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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.