"Shri Narendra Modi speaks on ‘Good Governance Through Democracy’ at launch of Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ "
"CM launches Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ "
"Shri Modi stresses on the importance of trust and trusteeship in governance "
"Those who serve in Government are not the rulers but the servants (Sevaks) of the people: Shri Modi "
"Institutions cannot be people centric. The need is to institutionalize ideas and good practices. A person may be there or not but the framework must remain: Shri Modi "
"Those who cannot accept victory and defeat through democratic means are misusing the CBI. And now, it is CBI vs IB. Does it happen in any nation? Institutions are being broken and just see how: Shri Modi "
"Political interference harms good governance but political intervention encourages people’s participation: Shri Modi "
"In Government there is only accountability of commission, no accountability of omission and we need to change that…we need to shift the focus from procedure audit to performance audit: Shri Modi"
On the evening on Thursday 27th June 2013 Shri Narendra Modi spoke on ‘Good Governance Through Democracy’ at the launch of Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ in Mumbai. In an elaborate and inspiring speech, the Chief Minister stressed on the importance of trust and trusteeship in governance. Shri Modi said that in those who serve in the Government are not rulers but are servants (Sevaks) of the people. The Chief Minster affirmed that a Government is a ray of hope for the poor and recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s Mantra of recalling the face of the poor while making tough decisions. “As Mahatma Gandhi said, think if your decision will make that poor person happy and if it does, you are taking the right decision,” he said.
Shri Modi described trust as the precondition of good governance and he stressed on building institutions rather than concentrating on individuals. He said, “Institutions cannot be people centric. We have made things centered around people…if one family goes away this will happen…but is this our nation? The need is to institutionalize ideas and good practices. We should create network of institutions. A person may be there or not but the framework must remain.” He added, “Stronger these institutions, the better things will work. A person may slip and in those times it is the institutions that saves things.”
Giving an example of this Shri Modi affirmed, “What have we done for years? See how institutions have been broken in Delhi. There was a Planning Commission but then they created the NAC. All economic decisions are done by five star activists and then one PM tells the official PM do this and that is what happens.” Shri Modi went on to add, “Planning Commission was rendered useless due to NAC. Similarly, Article 356 was envisioned to strengthen federal structure but see how it was misused. See the CBI and the level of misuse that can happen. Had I not experienced it myself, I would not even know. Those who cannot accept victory and defeat through democratic means are misusing the CBI. And now, it is CBI vs IB. Does it happen in any nation? Institutions are being broken and just see how. Those companies that came for Vibrant Gujarat Summit get IT notices. They do this on one hand and on the other hand they shout FDI and no investment.” Giving another example of such institutional break down, Shri Modi recalled that in 1983 the Election Commission had warned Mrs. Indira Gandhi against holding elections in Assam but she went on to hold them and the result was the infamous Nellie massacre that killed so many people. Shri Modi opined that in a Federal Structure there is no big brother or small brother but the Centre fights some states much more than they even fight Pakistan.
The Chief Minister stated that more than political interference, what is needed is political intervention. “Political interference harms good governance but political intervention encourages people’s participation,” said the Shri Modi. He also added that had the current leadership in the Centre emerged from the ground, there would be no policy paralysis. He spoke on the importance of Lok Bhagidari and shared that any policy that the Gujarat Government brings out is placed online so that people can see it and give their feedback. He gave the example of Pani Samitis in Gujarat where people participation has mitigated the water crisis and at the same time empowered women in Gujarat. “In Government there is only accountability of commission, no accountability of omission and we need to change that…we need to shift the focus from procedure audit to performance audit.” He affirmed that outcome, rather than output or outlay must be the emphasis.
Shri Modi said that democracy is not merely about giving a contract to some people to work for five years but to come together and work for the nation. He pointed that the biggest strength of a democracy is the opportunity to correct one’s mistakes. He also expressed surprise as to why the anniversary of the Emergency did not receive much attention from the media when it was a time when our Republic was strangled.
Speaking about good governance, Shri Modi recalled that Lokmanya Tilak had said ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” but now we should also state, “Su-rajya is our birthright and we must have it.” Shri Modi said that it is incorrect to keep blaming democracy for our problems and he shared that his Gujarat experience has shown that with the same system, laws, officials it is possible to bring change.
Shri Modi congratulated Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe for writing the book and said that he has the honour of working with him for the past many years. Speaking on the occasion, former BJP President Shri Nitin Gadkari lauded the work done by Shri Modi in the field of water conservation. Shri Gadkari said that Shri Modi believes in the Mantra of Nation first, then the Party and only then the self. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Gopinath Munde pointed that Shri Narendra Modi is neither corrupt nor does he tolerate corruption. Referring to the large turnout, Shri Munde said that such a turnout was last seen at the venue when President Clinton visited the place more than a decade ago. Several other BJP leaders were present on the occasion.
PM Modi addresses a massive public meeting in Barpeta
April 06, 2026
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On BJP Foundation Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every karyakarta and every person connected with the BJP family, says PM Modi
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public meeting in Barpeta, as election campaigning in Assam gathered strong momentum. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, PM Modi highlighted the vision of a self-reliant and Viksit Assam, while underscoring the NDA government’s commitment to peace, prosperity and inclusive growth.
Opening his address on a confident note, the PM said, “The people of Assam have made two things certain this time- first, the BJP-NDA government will return for a third term in the state and second, the Congress will continue its record of defeats.” Amid loud chants of ‘Aakou Ebaar… BJP Shorkar’ he said the massive turnout in Barpeta reflected the public’s clear mood.
He stated, “On BJP Foundation Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every karyakarta and every person connected with the BJP family. With the mantra of Nation First, we are dedicated to the service of Maa Bharati. Our resolve is to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Emphasising the theme of Atmanirbhar Assam, Viksit Assam, PM Modi drew a sharp contrast between the BJP and the Congress. “Congress has never worked with a long-term vision. It focuses on short-term gains, often driven by corruption. The BJP, on the other hand, works with a clear and long-term vision for development,” he said. He added that the past decade laid the foundation of peace and stability in Assam, while the coming years would expand prosperity and self-reliance.
Highlighting Assam’s growing potential, PM Modi said improved connectivity and infrastructure are boosting tourism and economic opportunities. Referring to the region’s cultural and spiritual significance, he noted that places like Maa Kamakhya and Manas National Park are attracting increasing attention.
Focusing on farmers, PM Modi shared key achievements of the government. “Today, the MSP for paddy has increased significantly compared to earlier years and our government has ensured record procurement. In the last ten years, we have given four times more MSP to farmers than before 2014,” he said. He also announced that Assam’s Joha rice has begun exports to international markets like the UK and Italy, calling it a moment of pride for local farmers.
On women empowerment, he highlighted several welfare initiatives. “From housing and sanitation to free gas connections and financial inclusion, our schemes have empowered crores of women. Under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, nearly three crore women have become financially empowered,” he said. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to women’s reservation, urging political parties to support the initiative unanimously.
PM Modi added, “Therefore, our government has called a special session from 16 April to make the necessary amendments. But some people are trying to spread confusion even about this noble work. No state will suffer any loss because of this. The representation of those states that have worked to control population will not be reduced.”
Addressing the issue of tribal welfare and peace in the Northeast, PM Modi criticised the Congress for decades of neglect. “For years, tribal areas suffered from poverty and violence. Today, we are witnessing a new era of peace and development in the Northeast,” he said, adding that thousands of youth have been brought into the mainstream through peace efforts.
On national security, the PM accused the Congress of undermining the armed forces. “While our forces have shown unmatched bravery, Congress has often echoed the narrative of our adversaries,” he remarked. He also highlighted the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), noting that over ₹1.24 lakh crore has been disbursed to ex-servicemen.
Raising concerns about Assam’s identity and security, PM Modi alleged that Congress policies had enabled illegal encroachments and weakened local interests. “The BJP-NDA government is committed to protecting Assam’s identity and securing its future,” he asserted, urging voters to remain vigilant.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister called for maximum voter participation. “The time for voting is here. In the coming days, we must work with full dedication to secure victory at every booth,” he said. He also extended Bohag Bihu greetings and urged people to share his best wishes with others.
असम की जनता ने इस बार दो काम पक्के कर दिए हैं।
एक, असम में बीजेपी-NDA सरकार की हैट्रिक लगेगी...
और दूसरा, कांग्रेस के शाही परिवार के जो नामदार हैं दिल्ली में... उनकी हार की सेंचुरी का रिकॉर्ड भी असम के लोग ही बनवाएंगे: PM @narendramodi in Barpeta
