Moving to the final stage of Gujarat elections 2012 : A few thoughts...

Published By : Admin | December 15, 2012 | 16:31 IST

Dear Friends,

After weeks of round-the-clock campaigning, public meetings, personal interactions and lot more, we are now moving to the final stage of the elections. On 13th December, Gujarat voted in record numbers. The voting percentage exceeded that of all the previous elections for which I congratulate you all. This clearly indicates that the BJP will break all its previous records of winning and will get a thumping majority.

I have seen many elections in Gujarat but there is something very unique about the elections this time. The eyes of not only the entire nation but also the entire world are on the people of Gujarat. Never before have state elections generated so much interest from the people at large.

After travelling across the entire state over the last so many months, I have seen with my own eyes that these elections are not being fought by the BJP. They are not being fought by Narendra Modi either. If there is someone fighting the elections, it is the 6 crore people of Gujarat. What is even more heartening is the fact that it is the youth of Gujarat who have taken the elections on their shoulders in a way that is never seen before! This is a very positive sign.

The 2012 Gujarat Elections are not restricted to who your MLA will be. Do not go out to vote with the objective of making a party win or making a party lose the deposit- the importance of your vote is much more. When you go out to vote, think about Gujarat’s future, think about who would you like to see steer the state to greater heights of progress in the coming five years.

Over the last many weeks I had the chance to be among so many of you. I have addressed several public meetings over the last many days and the affection the people have shown has touched me beyond words.

Among the most innovative experiences during the campaign was my addressing people across many places in Gujarat simultaneously using 3D projection technology. Such technology has never been used before anywhere in the world and I am glad that Gujarat has yet again become a pioneer when it comes to innovation and usage of latest technology. Technology remains only the medium- the bond I share with the people is of the heart and runs very deep!

We have gone to the people only with one agenda- development! We ask for another opportunity to serve Gujarat on the basis of our work over the last 11 years. Today, Gujarat is synonymous with development and development is synonymous with Gujarat! Making the common man the focal point of our initiatives, we have sought to create a better Gujarat and this determination will only increase over the next 5 years.

These elections are a contest between the hard work and sweat of the BJP Karyakarta versus the money power of the Congress. The level of lies that the Congress has propagated during the campaign was unprecedented and has left me stunned. It is unfortunate how their enmity with an individual has taken shape of a severe anti-Gujarat feeling among the Congress. No stone has been left unturned to stall the development of Gujarat. From spreading lies to behind the curtain arrangements, they have tried every trick out of the book.

It looks as if the Congress has nothing to offer for Gujarat and the development of its people, its youth, its farmers, its women, its cities and its villages. What can be more telling than the fact that even the Prime Minister of the nation, himself an economist has to abandon development politics and talk of divisive votebank politics to seek votes. The negative image Congress has built in this election will stay with the people of Gujarat for a very long time. They have left a lasting impression of spreading lies, allegations and negativity.

After selling the nation’s sports with CWG scam, selling our technology in the 2G scam, selling our coal in the Coalgate scam, the Congress has set its eyes on selling the nation itself. The willingness of the Congress to strike a deal with Pakistan behind the curtains without consulting the people of Gujarat showcases their attitude towards Gujarat. Sir Creek is not about Kutch or Gujarat only but it is a complete sell-out of Indian interests and a threat to our nation’s security! For the Prime Minister it can be a piece of land but for us it’s a part of our body and we cannot give even an inch to Pakistan.

Friends, you have seen me working over the last 11 years. Every moment of my life has been devoted in the service of the people of Gujarat. In the last 11 years I have not taken a single day’s rest from working for Gujarat’s development. This is a land we all love. If you leave your house for even 10 days, would you give your keys to an unknown person? Then how can you give the keys of Gujarat’s future to those whose vision for Gujarat’s development still remains a mystery?

To those voting day after, I would make a sincere appeal to you- go out and vote in large numbers! In the last 11 years Gujarat has broken all records in the field of development and now let us add another feather in our cap. Let Gujarat create a record of high voting turnout.

Once again, I thank you for your constant solidarity during the campaign trail. It is your support that keeps us going and inspires us to work harder so that we can create a Bhavya and Divya Gujarat, one where not only we but also our future generations will lead a happy and prosperous life. I am sure the voting turnout on 17th will exceed that of the 1st phase!

Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat,

 

Yours,

Narendra Modi

 

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Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and a tribute to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
January 15, 2026

A few days ago, I was in the sacred land of Somnath to be part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years since the first attack on Somnath, which took place in 1026. People from all across India had come to be part of this moment of remembrance, united by a shared reverence for history, culture and the enduring spirit of the people of India. During the programme, I met a few people who had previously come to Somnath during the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had been to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me and so, I thought of sharing a few thoughts on this subject.

During one of the Mann Ki Baat programmes, I had said that not learning Tamil is a major regret of my life. Fortunately, over the last few years, our Government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across India and to deepen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ A prime example of such an effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. In our ethos, Sangam or confluence has a special place. Seen in this light, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of India’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities.

And what can be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial… where, for thousands of years, people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and Moksha.

Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond.

The first edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam took place in 2022. I recall attending the inauguration programme. Scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

Subsequent editions expanded the scale and depth of this effort. The aim was to keep introducing fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the second edition in 2023, technology was used on a larger scale to ensure that language does not become a barrier for people. In the third edition, the focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At the same time, academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions witnessed greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events.

The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam commenced on 2nd December 2025. The theme picked was very interesting- Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers came from Tamil Nadu and the students of Kashi had a very memorable experience!

There were many other special events this time.

Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary classic, was translated into 4 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages.

A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held. The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler who spread the message of cultural oneness. There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well as cultural programmes.

One of the things that makes me most happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of youngsters. It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes.

In addition to the Sangamam, efforts have been made to make the journey to Kashi memorable for the participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains to take people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations.

Here, I would also like to appreciate my sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their warmth and hospitality shown to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!

This time, the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswaram and it was graced by the Vice President of India, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji, who is himself a proud son of Tamil Nadu. He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India’s spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes like strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more.

This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of India. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation.