Shri Modi addresses public meeting at Lalpur

 Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, which Mrs. Sonia Gandhi heads wrote in a report that Gujarat is the fastest growing state in India. Out of all awards given by the Centre in various spheres 60% have been won by Gujarat. On the other hand Mrs. Sonia Gandhi is spreading lies that there is no development in Gujarat: Shri Modi

Shilanyas for Sardar Sarovar Project was done by Pandit Nehru and for 26 years nothing happened. Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not do anything on the file for 9 years. Because of Congress a project costing Rs. 6000 crore costs Rs. 56,000 crore today: Shri Modi

Congress has so much money, they do not know where to spend it. That is why so many times you see- Disha Badlo, Dasha Badlo on TV: CM

Congress may spend lots and lots of money but the hardwork & sweat of our Karyakartas will overcome that: Shri Modi

 

On the evening of Saturday 8th December 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in Lalpur (Jamnagar district). Puncturing the lies spread by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi while campaigning in Gujarat, Shri Modi said that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation that she herself heads wrote in a report that Gujarat is the fastest growing state in India. “If you do not have faith in the foundation you head, look to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Government. Out of the awards given by the Centre in various spheres, 60% of them have been won by Gujarat. Still you mislead the people!” he strongly affirmed.

Responding to the canard spread by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi on the Narmada issue Shri Modi pointed out that the Shilanyas of the Sardar Sarovar Project was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru but for 26 years nothing happened. Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not do anything about the project for 9 years and it was due to the Congress that a project costing Rs. 6000 crore now costs Rs. 56,000 crore. He said that the UPA is not allowing the Gujarat Government to put gates and he had to fast against the Centre on the issue of the height of the dam.

The Chief Minister question why Mrs. Sonia Gandhi could not say a word for the women of Gujarat, on the issue of price rise that is affected many people. “You do not know what it is when in the homes of the poor the children have to sleep hungry!” he stated.

Continuing his attack on the lies of the Congress and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Shri Modi commented, “Sonia Ben talking about farmers does not suit you. Your Government has ruined Gujarat’s farmers.” He spoke at length about the cotton export ban that was enforced by the UPA and shared that this ban was enforced when prices were at the highest and this could have brought great profits to the farmers. “The cotton farmer of Gujarat will teach the Congress a lesson,” he avowed. He also pointed out that the Gujarat Government has left no stone unturned to work for the interests of the farmers and shared that in 2001 cotton production in Gujarat was 23 lakh bales whereas it has increased to 1 crore 23 lakh bales in a period of 20 years.

 

 

Shri Modi said that the Congress has lots of money and they do not know what to do with it, which is why so many times a day they are giving advertisements of ‘Disha Badlo, Dasha Badlo’ on TV. Giving an example that that the Congress has no issue in the election, he pointed out that in South Gujarat Mrs. Gandhi said her mother-in-law came to this area 30 years ago and because you supported her, you must support us. He also asked if Mrs. Sonia Gandhi did anything else except abuse him and questioned if she saying anything on what they will do for farmers or for Gujarat’s development.

Expressing confidence about a BJP win, the Chief Minister declared “Congress may spend lots and lots of money but the hardwork & sweat of our Karyakartas will overcome that!” A large number of people gathered to hear Shri Modi’s inspiring words.

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શ્રી રામ જન્મભૂમિ મંદિર ધ્વજારોહણ ઉત્સવ દરમિયાન પ્રધાનમંત્રીના સંબોધનનો મૂળપાઠ
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When there is a government with the resolution of Nation First, then national heroes also get due respect: PM Modi
July 06, 2026
We pay homage to a great son of India whose unwavering commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations: PM
When there is a government with the resolution of Nation First, then national heroes also get due respect: PM
Dr. Mookerjee fiercely opposed the talk of two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags in the country: PM
He understood very well that the essence of nation-building is in the building of institutions : PM
Dr. Mookerjee laid the foundation for such national institutions which became India's economic strength for decades to come: PM

Union Cabinet colleagues Amit Bhai Shah, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, West Bengal’s dynamic Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari, senior BJP member and inspiration to lakhs of workers like me, Shri Makhanlal ji, BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya, esteemed public representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

My greetings to all of you!

Due to my pre-scheduled program, I am currently traveling. But with the help of technology, I am able to join you in this historic event.

Friends,

Today, the soil of our nation, the soil of West Bengal, is reverently remembering one of its great sons - a great patriot, a visionary dedicated to India’s integrity. Today we celebrate the seed of thought he planted, which is flourishing everywhere in the present time, playing a major role in guiding modern India.

Friends,

When ideas are rooted in the ground, when intentions are strong and pure, when new resolutions are pursued with complete dedication, and when all these links come together, success is inevitable. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee lived such a life. On the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, I bow to him and offer my tribute.

Friends,

This program is also testimony to the fact that when there is a government committed to Nation First, national heroes are honored and efforts are made to walk in their vision. Our government is celebrating Dr. Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national festival. It began last year on July 6 and will continue until July 6 next year. And now, with a BJP government in Bengal, this national honor has gained even more grandeur. Just a few days ago, on June 20, West Bengal Day was celebrated in a grand manner. That was a salute to Bengal’s land and heritage. Today’s program is part of that same respect for heritage. I warmly congratulate the West Bengal government for organizing such a magnificent event.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee’s life is an inspiration - from an idea to a mass movement. He gave birth to an ideological movement in India. At the time when the Jana Sangh was founded, Congress dominated everywhere. In such an era, when there was no space for alternative thought, when even finding a foothold was difficult, Dr. Mookerjee challenged those circumstances and had the courage to create a new idea. It was not merely the decision to form an organization or a political party. It was the expression of his unwavering faith in ideological diversity, national thought, and public participation in democracy. From this faith, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was born.

Friends,

No idea becomes immortal merely by its founding. An idea becomes immortal when generations nurture it with their lives. To keep the flame of the Jana Sangh alive, lakhs of workers dedicated their lives, moment by moment, sacrifice by sacrifice. They never let that flame die. Today, even if the Jana Sangh is not visible in its original form, the light of that flame has spread as the trust of crores of Indians. That light today shines across the nation in the form of millions of blooming lotuses. What was once the Jana Sangh is today the Bharatiya Janata Party - the world’s largest democratic force, serving the people.

Friends,

Often we see that with time, some ideas lose their appeal. But think - how powerful was the seed of thought planted by Dr. Mookerjee, that even after so many years, it continues to expand rapidly. I am confident that when future generations write the history of the BJP’s journey, when they study it, they will certainly mention Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s ideas, his courage, and his foresight. And I will say again - for Bengal, this is a double joy. First, the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Mookerjee. And second, this grand celebration in Bengal itself, under a BJP government born from his vision. This is a heartfelt tribute from the people of West Bengal to their great son.

Friends,

In one of his speeches in Parliament, Dr. Mookerjee said something that continues to inspire us even today. He said: “On the foundation of national unity alone can the edifice of a golden future be built.” And indeed, India can proudly say that Dr. Mookerjee lived this belief until his last breath. In 1947, when the country was divided and another crisis loomed - conspiracies were being hatched to separate the whole of Bengal from India. At that time, Dr. Mookerjee stood like a rock against these plots. He mobilized public opinion, fought political battles, and ensured that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. It was then that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee thundered: “Congress desh bhag korechhe, ami Pakistan ke bhag korechhi.” Meaning, Congress divided the country, but I divided Pakistan itself.

Friends,

That roar, that strength, the political will it displayed - we can still feel its power when we look at today’s circumstances.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee was fully dedicated to the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. That is why, when the idea of two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags was raised, he strongly opposed it. He gave the nation the mantra: “Ek deshe dui bidhan, dui prodhan ebong dui nishan - amra kokhono mene nebo na.” In other words: “In one country, two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags - will not be accepted, will not be accepted.” This was not just a slogan. It was a call for equal rights, one constitution, and a unified national consciousness. He fought for these principles, went to jail, and ultimately gave his supreme sacrifice for Kashmir. Today, our government is proud that by removing Article 370, we fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s dream.

Friends,

When we speak of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat today, it is the expansion of that same national vision defined by Dr. Mookerjee’s life. A vision of an India where there is no distance between North and South, where East and West share equal opportunities, where every state contributes its unique identity to India’s collective strength, and where every citizen is bound by one constitution, one national spirit, and one shared future. I am glad that inspired by Dr. Mookerjee, India’s constitution today applies across the nation with full dignity, inspiring millions of citizens.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee understood well that nation-building lies in institution-building. At just 33 years of age, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. But he did not see that position as merely administrative. He saw the university as an institution shaping India’s future. He sought to free education from the mindset of colonial servitude. He said: “Bongo-jatir atto-shomman punor-uddhar ebong matri-bhashar madhyome shikkhar proshar ei amader prodhan lokkho howa uchit.” Meaning, restoring the self-respect of Bengal’s people and spreading education through the mother tongue should be our foremost goal. He believed that if India was to become a confident nation, its education must be rooted in the Indian soul. With this vision, he gave respect to Indian languages. Today, we are proud that under the new National Education Policy, emphasis is being placed on education in local languages - fulfilling the dream Dr. Mookerjee once saw.

Friends,

As independent India’s first Industry Minister, he laid out a broad vision for industrial development. He established national institutions that became the pillars of India’s economic strength for decades. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works gave new momentum to India’s railways. Sindri Fertilizer Plant was a major step toward agricultural self-reliance. Damodar Valley Corporation opened a new chapter in energy and irrigation. The Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) provided a financial foundation for Indian industries.

Friends,

For him, industries and factories were not just workshops. Universities were not just places to hand out degrees. Research institutions were not just sites for experiments. For him, all these were centers of national devotion. He believed in institutions that gave talent opportunities, education that encouraged innovation, industries that became the basis of self-reliance, and systems that empowered future generations to inherit a stronger India. This spirit is the inspiration behind today’s vision of a developed India.

Friends,

On this occasion, I say to the youth of Bengal and of the entire nation: Dr. Mookerjee dedicated his life for Ek Bharat. We must live for Shreshtha Bharat. Together, we must fulfill the resolve of a developed India. We must make the nation self-reliant. With this call, I once again bow to Dr. Mookerjee. And I will end with his own words, his own spirit: “Je kaj ei hate nao na keno, ta atyononto gurutto shohokare korte hobe.” Meaning: Whatever work you begin, do it with utmost seriousness, with dedication, with complete sincerity. Never leave any work incomplete - always see it through to the end. With this flowing inspiration from Dr. Mookerjee’s words, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you.

Thank you very much!