Shri Modi addresses 7 massive public meetings across Gujarat

Shri Modi addresses last public meeting of the day in Ahmedabad, phenomenal response witnesses

Shri Modi gives a pointed reply to the lies spread by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in South Gujarat earlier today

I had asked some questions to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. She has not been able to answer any of the questions: Shri Modi

Congress has no issues in this election. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said ‘my mother-in-law had visited this area and you supported her so support us also.’ What does this show of the understanding of the Congress? Asks Shri Modi

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said roads in Gujarat are not up to the mark. Do you believe this? Gujarat does not get PM Gram Sadak Yojana funds as we are told our roads are very good: Shri Modi

This is election time. You are going to the court of the people, atleast speak the truth: Shri Modi

You are cheating the people. You have not fulfilled your promises: CM

CM takes on Congress for cotton export ban, power poor situation during Congress rule

Shri Modi takes on Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for her comment on law and order situation in Gujarat.

Think 7 times before spreading lies about Gujarat. Can we forgive Congress? Let us vote and defeat Congress: Shri Modi

Give me an opportunity to serve you for 5 more years. I want to take Gujarat to new heights of development: Shri Modi

CM takes on Mrs. Sonia Gandhi who said there is corruption in Gujarat. CM says talking about corruption does not suit the Congress.

On Friday 7th December 2012 Shri Narendra Modiaddressed 7 public meetings across various parts of Gujarat. Meetings were held in Zeda (Banaskantha district), Sami (Patan district), Malvan (Surendranagar district), Fala (Jamnagar district), Jamkandorana, Jamnagar City and Ahmedabad. The Chief Ministergave a befitting reply to the lies spread by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi during her campaign rally in Surat. Shri Modi said that he had asked some questions to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi yesterday but she has not been able to answer any of his questions. Shri Modi affirmed that he wishes to take Gujarat to new heights of development and that he seeks an opportunity to serve the people for 5 more years.

Stating that the Congress and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi have no issues in this election, Shri Modi affirmed, “What did Mrs. Sonia Gandhi say today- my mother-in-law also came to this areaand you supported her so support us also. What does this show of the understanding of the Congress?”

One by one the Chief Minister shattered every lie of the Congress President while speaking in Gujarat. “Madam Sonia Gandhi ji said Gujarat’s roads are not good as compared the entire nation. Do you believe this?” he asked and added that the first thing people from all over the world tell him is that the roads of Gujarat are very good. He pointed out that the Centre has a Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana but Gujarat does not get any money from this Yojana. The reason they give from Delhi is that the roads in Gujarat are already very good. Shri Modi asked how come on one side the Government under Dr. Manmohan Singh is saying one thing and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi is saying another in Gujarat.“Everyone knows how Gujarat’s roads are. Sonia Ben has not stepped on the roads and is talking about them,” he declared.

Talking about the point raised by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi on the condition of the farmers in Gujarat Shri Modi stated that the Centre has everything including several perennial rivers while apart from the Narmada Gujarat has none. Gujarat was a state known for being drought prone for 7 out of 10 years. Still, the nation’s agriculture growth rate is not exceeding 2.5% whereas Gujarat’s agriculture is growing above 10%. “In the name of the farmer you are misleading people and seeking votes? This is election time, you are going to the court of the people, atleast speak the truth,” he strongly avowed.

The Chief Minister asked what happened to the Congress promise of 2009 to bring prices down within 100 days of getting elected and wondered why Mrs. Sonia Gandhi did not say a word on price rise. “You are cheating the people, you have not fulfilled your promise. You didn’t say a word on price rise!” he commented.

On this issue Shri Modi made another important point. He raised, “You say farmers are ruined in Gujarat. I want to ask you- our hardworking farmers grow cotton. From 23 lakh bales in 2001 production has risen to 1 crore 23 lakh bales in the last 10 years. But the UPA stabbed farmers in the back. They caused a loss of Rs. 7000 crore to the cotton farmers of Gujarat by banning exports.” Shri Modi added that the ban came when prices were highest and that the farmers had to agitate on this issue but the losses caused were immense.

He asked the people to remember the days of the Congress when there was ‘Langdi Vijli’ (interrupted power supply) and shared that today that is history. Giving an example, he said that during Congress rule Jamnagar had 16 substations whereas in the last decade itself the Government added 46 substations!

Reacting sharply to the canard by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi about the law and order situation in Gujarat, Shri Modi said that she has no right to speak of law and order here. He recalled the years of Congress rule when disturbances and curfews were common in the state be it during cricket matches, Rath Yatra or even if 2 bicycles collided. Today curfews and disturbances are a matter of history in Gujarat. Similarly, Shri Modi pointed out that in Delhi women do not find it safe to move outside after 6PM. The Chief Minister gave the example of 2 Muslim girls in Maharashtra who were arrested but they said that Maharashtra is not safe and they will stay in Gujarat. “Think 7 times before spreading lies on Gujarat. Can we forgive the Congress? Let us vote and defeat the Congress” Shri Modi affirmed.

Shri Modi also took on Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for saying that there is corruption in Gujarat. He said that it does not suit her to say this, adding that the nation is suffering due to the corruption of Delhi. He affirmed that those whose pockets are full of corruption of Delhi do not have the right to speak about corruption. He also pointed, “Madam Sonia ji, I do not have a son-in-law and the nation knows what sons-in-law are doing!”He expressed that Gujarat will not tolerate such insults!

The Chief Minister shared that in the last 7 years 3 lakh youngsters were given jobs in the Government while during the Congress years recruitments to the Government services had stopped for many years. He also declared that not a single allegation of corruption have been made for these recruitments.

On the Parliament passing the vote on FDI, the Chief Minister declared that the Congress won in Parliament but the traders of Gujarat will punish the Congress and show that this decision on FDI is wrong.

Shri Modi termed India’s suspension from the IOC a matter of great shame and said that the Congress has insulted the youth of the nation.“The world’s most youthful nation cannot take part in Olympics? Doobi Maro Congress Ke Mitron!” he affirmed. He said it is an insult to the nation and its pride and added that we cannot remain silent spectators to this- we must seek answers from the Congress. The Chief Minister stated that Delhi may not do anything about it but Gujarat will be setting up a Sports University and a sports school in every district.

State BJP President Shri RC Faldu was present on the occasion. A large number of people attended the public meeting.

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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.