On the eve of his three-day fast, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi expressed "gratitude" to those who pointed out his mistakes in the last 10 years and said the state has realised that communal frenzy and casteism never helped anybody grow in the country.
"Constitution of India is supreme for us. As a chief minister of the state, pain of anybody in the state is my pain. (Delivering) Justice to everyone is the duty of the state," Modi said on the eve of his three-day fast.
Modi's remarks are being interpreted as his first ever expression of regret over the post-Godhra communal riots in which more than 1,200 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. He has been severely criticised for not expressing any remorse over the killings since 2002.
The chief minister is going on a three-day fast from tomorrow -- his 62nd birthday -- for "peace, unity and harmony" in the state.
Full text of Narendra Modi's second letter :
My dear Brothers and Sisters!
Sadar Pranam,
Today, I begin my three-day fast of Sadbhavna Mission with your blessings and good wishes. This Mission is totally dedicated to the society and the Nation. It aims at Unity, Harmony and Brotherhood among all.
Twenty first century did not begin well for Gujarat. In 2001, the devastating earthquake on our Republic day, took a very heavy toll. In the subsequent year, Gujarat became the victim of communal violence. We lost innocent lives, suffered devastation of property and endured lot of pain. One can visualise what all we have gone through.
Those were very difficult and trying days. However, Gujarat has come out of these difficulties and leapfrogged on the path of development. Today, Gujarat is progressing fast. The atmosphere of peace, unity, social harmony and brotherhood has given further impetus to the process of development.
The Indian history is a witness that casteism and communalism have never done any good to society. This is also my own firm conviction. Gujarat has understood this and having overcome these evils, it has adopted the path of Inclusive Development. We are committed to work for a developed Gujarat for a developed India.
My dear Brothers and Sisters, no State, society or individual can claim to be perfect. I am grateful to all those who pointed out my genuine mistakes during last 10 years. I seek your blessings to serve the people with devotion free from all human shortcomings. As Chief Minister of the State, the pain of each and every citizen is my own pain. Ensuring Justice to all is the duty of the State.
The six crore people of Gujarat are working together for their own development and that of the State. The poorest of the poor is a partner in this process and is confident that he will get the fruits of development. Everyone has inculcated the State's ethos of 'Development of all with Cooperation of all' (Sabka Saath - Sabka Vikaas).
During my fast, I will continue to pray to the Almighty to give me strength so that I do not develop or retain any ill-feeling or bitterness towards those who defamed Gujarat or me by making false allegations.
Our country is a shining example of Unity in Diversity. I am confident that with your blessings, this Sadbhavna Mission will further strengthen our social fabric.
I will also pray to God to give the requisite strength to all of us to take this Sadbhavna Mission forward.
Vande Mataram!
Always yours,
Narendra Modi
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