NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the completion of his 23 years in elected public office after taking over as Gujarat chief minister for first time on Oct 7, 2001, by vowing to continue working tirelessly with more vigour and not rest until the goal of a “developed India” is accomplished.
“Much has been achieved over the years but there is still more to be done.The learnings over these 23 years enabled us to come up with pioneering initiatives which have made an impact both nationally and globally.”
He added, “I assure my fellow Indians that I will keep working tirelessly, with even more vigour in service of people. I will not rest till our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised,” Modi said as he thanked those who greeted him on reaching the personal milestone.
The PM thanked BJP to elevate him from a ‘humble karyakarta’ to the chief minister of Gujarat and recalled the tough challenges he had faced-the 2001 Kutch earthquake, a super cyclone, a massive drought, and the “legacy of many decades of Congress misrule like loot, communalism and casteism”-after taking over the responsibility.
“Powered by Jana Shakti, we rebuilt Gujarat and propelled it to new heights of progress, even in a sector like agriculture, for which the state was not traditionally known,” Modi said, claiming that during his 13 years as CM, Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, ensuring prosperity for all sections of society.
Reiterating achievements of his tenure as PM – including over 25 crore people freed from clutches of poverty, India emerging as fifth-largest economy, Modi said India’s developmental strides have ensured that the country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally. “The world is keen to engage with us, invest in our people and be a part of our success. At the same time, India is working extensively to overcome global challenges be it climate change, improving healthcare, realising SDGs and more,” he said.
Senior BJP leaders including home minister Amit Shah hailed Modi’s journey from Gujarat to the Centre as a “living inspiration”.
The home minister, who has been a constant companion of Modi in his political journey, said it was a matter of good fortune for him that he has been a witness to Modi’s long public life.
“Modi showed how to carry out the work for the welfare of the poor, country’s development, security and strengthen India’s global identity at the same time,” he said. BJP president J P Nadda congratulated PM Modi and said his commitment to the upliftment of the poor and deprived sections with the mantra of ‘Antyodaya’ is exemplary.