'Sadbhavana Mission' will end votebank politics, says Modi

Ahmedabad, Sep 17 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today began his three-day fast for "peace and communal harmony", saying the success of his endeavour would mean an end to votebank politics.

He also said that the fast was not against anybody.

"We want to take this spirit to each and every village ... each and every house. This fast is not against anybody and I don't want to speak about anybody. Gujarat wants to move forward. We want to be in service of India," Modi said.

"We want to move together and Sadhbhavna (harmony) will be our strength. Development is our only motto. We will be a model for the world on how development can be achieved with peace, harmony and brotherhood," the BJP stalwart said, addressing a gathering at Gujarat University convention centre, the venue of Modi's fast here.

Speaking about the fast, he said "It was the need of the hour." "Unity, peace and harmony have a major role to play in our success, our development. Because we have treaded this path and I wanted this message to reach out to people, this fast was the best mean to do so," he maintained.

"Six crore Gujarati have gone through a lot of penance to ensure such a situation. If I fast my words would carry more weight and I will be able to reach out to more people." This was the only objective behind the fast and there was no grudge against anybody, he said.

"Over the last 10 years we have been vilified. I have faced every attack so that you (people) do not feel the pain. I want to ensure that Gujarat never slips below the parameters of humanity," Modi said. He sought strength from God so he is able to dedicate his entire life to the people of Gujarat.

PTI