On the evening of Friday 8th March 2013 Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Over Bridge, the first triangular over bridge in Gujarat. In his speech Shri Modi talked about the development in Gujarat. He pointed out that Gujarat’s development is talked all over and that even those earlier not willing to accept the development are accepting it now. Shri Modi stated that since Independence politics were played and crumbs were thrown but no thought was given to development. “By giving impetus to development, we are changing this regressive mindset.” He further pointed that the people will not accept anybody who is anti-development.
Shri Modi stated that the Central Government is trying to put several obstacles in the development journey of Gujarat and gave the example of putting the gates on the Sardar Sarovar Dam. “We have to put the gates, we have to pay the money but still they are not giving permission,” the Chief Minister said referring to the Centre. He further stated that when he met the Prime Minister after the elections and discussed the issues with him, he said, “Acha Modi ji yeh bhi baaki hai?” (Modi ji is this also left). However, Shri Modi affirmed, “Gujarat has embraced the path of progress and we will never let it stop. May be it means more hardwork and more time…but we will not put brakes in taking Gujarat to greater heights.”
Further criticizing the UPA, Shri Modi said that earlier when a Union Budget was presented debates and writings went on for months but this time the Budget was such that on the 2nd day itself no one spoke about it. He declared that the Centre does not know the aspirations of the nation and are not bothered what the women and youth want.
Talking about the recent awards won by Rajkot, including for the safety for women, Shri Modi affirmed, “For the awards Rajkot got, the Mayor, Commissioner, the Police Commissioner were honored but those who merit the praise are the citizens of Rajkot.” He also opined that when Rajkot was given the prize for the safest city, it got the loudest claps. Shri Modi expressed joy that Rajkot getting this award for safety for women during the 150th birth year of Swami Vivekananda is like the icing on the cake.
The Chief Minister pointed out that in matters of women safety the role of values is even more important than the role of the Government and that the award won by Rajkot shows the values and ethos of the city. Shri Modi also affirmed, “It is our responsibility to respect the dignity of women. Injustice to women is a blot on our society.”
Shri Modi recalled that earlier Rajkot was not developing so fast but now it is a fast growing city. He further recalled that earlier the money for the development of cities was very less but and most of the money went in paying salaries. Shri Modi said that the Gujarat Government came up with the Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana and over Rs. 500 crore has been spent on the development of Rajkot, which has benefited the people immensely. The Chief Minister also opined that with 40-42% of the people in Gujarat staying in cities and over 50% of the people dependent on cities, it is essential to strengthen the cities.
In his speech Shri Modi spoke about the SAUNI Yojana to provide water to Kutch and Saurashtra. He also shared that a recent survey of the Government of India pointed that the lowest unemployment is in Gujarat.
Senior BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Vijay Rupani spoke on the occasion. Minister Shri Govindbhai Patel, Rajkot Mayor Shri Janak Kotak and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
