In another “open letter,” Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday vowed to follow the path of “inclusive development,” ensuring justice for all.
Mr. Modi's fresh letter, now addressed to the people of India, comes on the eve of his three-day fast from Saturday, his birthday. The first “open letter” on Tuesday was addressed to the people of the State.
In the new letter, Mr Modi talks about the communal violence of 2002, which raged a year after a devastating earthquake that took a heavy toll of lives. He said the 21st century did not begin well for Gujarat, what with the earthquake occurring on the Republic Day and then the State becoming a “victim of communal violence,” in which it lost “innocent lives, suffered devastation of property and endured a lot of pain.”
Gujarat, like the rest of India, firmly believed that casteism and communalism had never done any good to society. Under his stewardship, he said, the State had embarked on an “inclusive development” benefitting and ensuring justice for, all citizens.
Mr. Modi admitted that he had committed “mistakes” during his 10-year rule and “thanked” those who pointed out his “genuine mistakes” and expressed the confidence that “with the blessings of all” his ‘sadbhavana mission' would further strengthen “unity, social harmony and brotherhood among all.” His government was committed to a “developed Gujarat for a developed India.”
AIADMK sending team
In a show of solidarity, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is sending its leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha M. Thambidurai and V. Maitreyan to Ahmedabad for Mr. Modi's fast, according to sources in the party.
Published - September 17, 2011 02:20 am IST
