Gujarat CM Congratulates PM Modi on 25 Years of Service
CM Bhupendra Patel celebrates PM Modi's 25 years of public service, highlighting his journey from Gujarat CM to India's leader.
In a significant tribute to the Prime Minister's long-standing leadership, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has extended heartfelt congratulations to PM Modi on behalf of the people of Gujarat, marking the completion of 25 years of dedicated public service to the nation.
Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to public welfare and his decisive leadership style. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, Patel described these two and a half decades as a transformative journey from "resolve to achievement," driven by the core principles of ‘Service, Not Power’ and ‘Nation First’.
A Legacy of Transformation: From Gujarat to India
Chief Minister Patel reflected on the pivotal moments that defined the Prime Minister's career. He noted that when PM Modi assumed the role of Gujarat’s Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, the state was navigating a period of intense challenges. However, his tenure saw landmark successes that reshaped the state's landscape.
Key developmental milestones mentioned by the CM include:
- The Jyotigram Yojana: Revolutionizing rural electricity access.
- Narmada Canal Network: Improving water access across the state.
- Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit: Launched in 2003, this initiative placed Gujarat on the global investment map.
The Chief Minister remarked that the success of Gujarat's development under PM Modi's leadership earned him widespread national support, leading to his election as the nation's leader in 2014. Since then, he has served as the ‘Pradhan Sevak,’ ushering in an era of performance-driven politics.
Focus on the Disadvantaged and Holistic Development
For the Prime Minister, the CM emphasized, development is not merely about infrastructure like roads and bridges; it is about creating meaningful change for the most disadvantaged sections of society. This vision is manifested through direct-benefit schemes and social security initiatives.
The Chief Minister pointed to several key programs that have touched the lives of millions:
- Social Welfare: Initiatives like Garib Kalyan Melas, housing, and sanitation.
- Empowerment: The Ujjwala Yojana for women and increased female participation in decision-making.
- Agriculture: PM-KISAN and the promotion of natural farming.
- Healthcare: The expansion of healthcare security to the grassroots.
Patel noted a consistent pattern where successful state-level models have been scaled to the national level. Examples include the transition from MA Amrutam to Ayushman Bharat, Jyotigram to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, and Khel Mahakumbh to Khelo India.
Gujarat: Emerging as a Global Industrial Hub
Looking at the future, the Chief Minister highlighted massive projects currently underway in Gujarat that are poised to accelerate economic growth. These include the Ahmedabad–Dholera rail and expressway projects, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and advanced manufacturing units in Dahod and Vadodara.
Furthermore, the CM emphasized Gujarat's growing importance in high-tech sectors:
- GIFT City: Home to the IFSCA and the India International Bullion Exchange.
- Semiconductor Mission: With six projects underway, the state is positioning itself as a major semiconductor hub.
- Clean Energy: The hybrid renewable energy park at Khavda in Kutch and the CNG terminal in Bhavnagar.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister recalled how PM Modi demonstrated global responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic by championing the development of indigenous vaccines and ensuring their supply to other nations.