Advani says that Gujarat is model for nation's development

Surat Apr 9 (UNI) On the fourth day of his Bharath Suraksha Yatra BJP leader L K Advani paid rich compliments to Gujarat chief Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to establish a model of good governance and development in the state.

''I can think of no other example in Indian politics of a leader who, after being subjected to a malicious and prolonged campaign of vilification, has been able to impress even his critics with his determination, single minded focus, integrity and a wide array of achievements in a relatively short time'', Mr Advani said at a press meet here today.

Quoting from a document of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which said that after recovering from natural calamities such as cyclone, draught and earhquake, Gujarat recorded impressive 15.4 per cent growth rate in the year of 2003-04, which has placed Gujarat at leading position not only in India but also among the leading countries in Asia.'' Mr Advani also quoted a 2005 report of the department of industrial promotion policy, presented in Lok Sabha, which said that Gujarat with its Rs 94,000 crore investment had attracted the largest FDI coming to the country in the last five years.

''What is remarkable is that the Gujarat government's achievements, first under Keshubhai Patel and now under Modi, have not only impressed captains of industry but also touched the lives of tribals, farmers, women, self-employed youth and the middle class'', Mr Advani added.

He hoped that the all round development of Gujarat will act as a precursor to the parties effort to make India a developed nation by 2020.

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