The following is the text of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's letter to the people of Gujarat on Tuesday:
“My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
My Salutations.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the country delivered an important judgment regarding the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat.
Everyone is interpreting this judgment in his own way. For political analysts, it has one meaning and for legal experts, it has another meaning. Someone is interpreting it as victory, someone else as defeat. Everyone has his own point of view.
One thing is apparent from the Supreme Court's judgment. The unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and the Government of Gujarat, after 2002 riots, has come to an end. For the past ten years, it has become fashionable to defame me and the State of Gujarat. These elements who could not tolerate any positive development of Gujarat have not left any stone unturned to defame Gujarat. It is difficult to say whether this campaign of defamation will stop even after the judgment of the Supreme Court. But one thing is certain that the credibility of those who have been spreading lies and defaming Gujarat has come to its lowest ebb. The people of this country will not trust such elements anymore.
After 2002, Gujarat has not spared any effort to march towards peace and progress even amid false propaganda, conspiracies and allegations.
‘Six crore Gujaratis' has not remained merely a word. It has become the mantra of unity and human endeavour. Every citizen of Gujarat has internalised peace, harmony and development. Gujarat has experienced an unparalleled phase of peace, harmony, and development in the last decade. Gujarat is committed to marching forward on this path only.
There is a famous saying, “Hate is never conquered by hate.” The real strength of our country is its unity and harmony. Unity in diversity is the defining feature of India. It is our responsibility to strengthen unity in our social life. We have got an excellent opportunity to proceed with a positive attitude. Hence, let us come together and contribute in enhancing the dignity of Gujarat. I humbly submit before you that, as part of this responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, I am thinking of starting a movement of ‘Sadbhavana Mission.'
As part of this ‘Sadbhavana Mission,' I have resolved to fast for three days from Saturday, the 17th September 2011. My fast will conclude on 19th September. I deeply believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat's environment of peace and harmony.
‘Sadbhavana Mission' is completely dedicated to the society and the nation. I hope that our effort to take Gujarat to new heights of development through peace, unity and harmony will contribute immensely in the development of the nation as well.
Always at your service,
Narendra Modi.
