Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi on Sunday completed 11 years at the helm of affairs in Gujarat, becoming the longest serving Chief Minister of the state.
But unlike last year, when the state government celebrated 10 years of rule with a lot of pomp and fanfare, there are no celebrations this time as the Model Code of Conduct is in effect after the dates of upcoming assembly polls were announced a few days ago.
"This 11-year journey devoted in service of the people of Gujarat has been memorable and extremely satisfying. It has been a learning experience for me that I tremendously cherish," Modi said on a message on his blog today with the title "Sabka sath, sabka vikas: My 11 years journey in Gujarat".
The BJP leader has been strongly criticised from various quarters for his handling of the 2002 post-Godhra riots. However, the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), in its report on Gujarat riots, had recently given a clean chit to him.
In his message, Modi has explained different initiatives, programmes and schemes his government has taken up and claimed it as a huge success with development all across the state.
Modi dedicated "the development of Gujarat" to the women power of the state.
"Behind the development of Gujarat is the power of our Nari Shakti!," he said and credited Chiranjeevi Yojana of 2005, Nari Gaurav Niti of 2006 and Mission Mangalam of 2010 for the emergence of Women power in the state.
Modi has also claimed a huge success in the field of primary education. "An area in which I always wanted to leave an impeccable mark of Governance is primary education and especially for the girl child," he said.
Elections in the state will be held in two phases on December 13 and December 17 and the results will be announced on December 20.
Modi mentioned the commencement of enrolment drive called
Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav saying, "This initiative has helped many youngsters in building a future for themselves and their families".
Modi recalled the widespread devastation caused by Bhuj earthquake when he had assumed the office of the Chief Minister.
"Back then, people had written off Gujarat and it was deemed as impossible that the state would be up and running. But, with speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives that have now become a role model all across, as well as the unwavering spirit of resilience of the people of Gujarat, we were able to begin our march to development in a very short period of time!," he said.
Modi, in his message bowed to the spirit of the people of Gujarat and said that their love and affection has kept him going.
PTI
