Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said those who opposed him during his public life helped him understand the strength of democracy, as he reflected on his journey at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, marking 25 years of his public service.
Modi is also scheduled to address BJP cadre as part of the events marking his 25 years as the head of a government. He first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and has since served as prime minister since May 2014.
“May God give me the strength to work for my country with even greater energy and serve my fellow citizens day and night. For me, the people are God. I sincerely believe that the citizens of the country have the greatest right over me. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP’s all-cells coordinator VD Sharma will join the Seva Yatris at the Vadnagar programme.
Because of the people, whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is. “The country has given me so much, and therefore, my responsibility towards the nation is also the greatest.
“Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said, speaking about the lessons he learnt from his critics and political opponents. “My critics taught me to look within myself,” he added. Reflecting on his public service journey, Modi said he believed his responsibilities stemmed from the trust placed in him by the people. Modi also said the country had given him a great deal and, consequently, he believed he had an even greater responsibility towards it.
