The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday gave a warm farewell to Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, who served as the State’s chief minister for four consecutive terms spanning 12 consecutive years.
In an emotional speech marked by gratitude and nostalgia, Mr. Modi thanked the legislators for their support and especially the Opposition for its constructive criticism.
“I have a big responsibility ahead. Your wishes give me inspiration and strength. This is my fourth term as [chief minister]. I have learnt a lot in this house. One may get fame and countless tributes from everywhere, but when one’s own people honour you it has a different meaning,” Mr. Modi said.
He recalled his old friendship with former chief minister and senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela. “Though we shared a thick friendship at a personal level, Mr. Vaghela performed his duty when he was in the Opposition. We all have to fulfil our duty.”
Charting out his political journey, Mr. Modi said when I took over, Gujarat was rocked by an earthquake. There were cyclones and the urban cooperative banks were in the doldrums.
“Today the world is asking what this development model of Gujarat is. Modi’s success lies not in bringing development to Gujarat, but in continuing the development journey despite his absence. Gujarat will progress more rapidly,” he said.
The PM-in-waiting stressed on the need to build strong and effective institutions and systems to deliver good governance.
“Ideas should be institutionalised so that people can come and go, but systems go on and respond automatically. After independence, India built many good institutions, but they fell in a State of ruin. In Gujarat, we made efforts to strengthen institutions,” Mr. Modi said.
The house gave a resounding applause to Mr. Modi. Several leaders, including Mr. Vaghela and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel presented Mr. Modi with shawls. Mr. Modi met and thanked the Vidhan Sabha staff.
BJP general secretary and Mr. Modi’s close aide Amit Shah said the mandate for the BJP in the country was for the development that took place in Gujarat. Mr. Modi’s humble beginnings and long struggle to rise up in life gave him a deep understanding of the issues plaguing the Indian citizens. Mr. Modi also hoped that Mr. Modi’s leadership would help strengthen the federal structure of Indian democracy.
“Gujarat is proud of the mark Mr. Modi has made at the national level,” Mr. Shah said.
Vajubhai Vala, Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly, said the farewell was a happy occasion for Gujarat. “This is the first time where a chief minister has directly become Prime Minister. Give the Gujarat model to India. Give water, power and education to every village in India,” he said in his concluding speech.
