Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi began his three-day 'sadbhavana' fast Saturday saying the day is not far when the country, and indeed the world, will discuss the state as a model one.

"My fast is not against anyone... that was, is and will never be my agenda. Just like the world praises Gujarat's model for development and governance, that day is not far when people will discuss our model for inclusive growth and communal harmony," Modi said to a cheering crowd at Gujarat University's plush convention hall here.

"I can say with pride that we want to move ahead and give something back to the nation. A state like Gujarat can pull another state which is not so developed. We have the strength and the capability," he added.

Recounting the Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the communal violence of 2002 and the serial blasts of 2008, Modi said that each time the people have emerged stronger and have touched new heights of development.

"We have to move ahead taking everyone along and for that secularism and communal harmony is very important," he said.

A large number of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders like L.K. Advai and Arun Jaitley were present at the event.
 
 

Home | Top of the Page

Top Stories

Allies, opposition target government over petrol price rise

Key allies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Friday joined the chorus against the petrol price hike, forcing the government to call off a ministerial meeting that was to   »

After petrol price hike, brace for higher interest on loans

Public fumes, as petrol prices hiked again

  Most Read

Mohammed Ayazuddin, former Indian cricket captain and MP Mohammed Azharuddin's son, who was critically injured in a road  »

Azharuddin's son critically injured in accident

Riot victims in Bharatpur allege police brutality

Probably at the same time when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was urging the police forces to "honestly discharge their duties" and function within the democratic framework to "scrupulously  »

Bharatpur Riots: Tension prevails; Toll rises to seven

  News Pick

Bihar is in the path of progress, this is claimed time and again by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. And to the utter surprise, how the   »

Kalam dissociates himself from Nalanda university

Large bands of Sikhs, out on the streets of Katia-Patti and its adjoining Majhola towns indulged in arson and vandalism to mark their protest against the failure of police to track down the culprits who had torn a copy of the  »

US reiterates opposition to Iran-Pakistan pipeline

The US has reiterated its opposition to the proposed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline that could eventually stretch to India, saying Islamabad should intensify efforts to develop its own hydrocarbon resources to avoid possible impact  »

Picture of the Day

The 27th of Ramadan (August 26, 2011 this year), "Laylet al-Qadr" (Night of Power), is one of the holiest nights of the Islamic calendar, the night when the Quran began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Millions from around the world visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah from all over the world and pray over the night.