NEW DELHI: As Patel quota agitation threatens to snowball into a major issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that development alone can solve all problems and expressed satisfaction that peace was restored in a short time in Gujarat after it was hit by violence days back.
Speaking during his radio show ‘Mann ki Baat’ the PM said, “The recent incidents of violence in Gujarat upset the entire nation. Whatever happens to the land of Gandhi and Sardar Patel, the nation is shocked and pained first. Peace, unity and brotherhood are the only correct way and we have to walk together on the path of development as only it is the solution of our problems.” He said violence, which claimed at least ten lives, had caused pain to the entire nation.
He said development alone can solve all problems and asked people to work in this direction.
Modi, the former Chief Minister who ruled the state for 12 years, appreciated the people of Gujarat saying their cooperation helped in controlling the situation.
“In a very short time, my Gujarati brothers and sisters controlled the situation. They played an active role and did not let the situation worsen and peace was restored in the state,” he said.
Earlier this week, when violence broke out in Gujarat, Modi had appealed for calm and underlined that the government is committed to the welfare of all people. He had said all issues can be resolved peacefully through discussions.
“I appeal to all brothers and sisters of Gujarat that they should not resort to violence. The only ‘Mantra’ must be ‘Shanti’ (peace),” he had said in a statement against the backdrop of violence in his home state.
Asking everybody in the state to make effort to take Gujarat to new heights of development, the former Chief Minister had said, “Violence has never done good for anyone. All issues can be resolved peacefully through talks. ... Everybody should respect democratic values”.
On the requirement of interview for certain government jobs, Modi observed that interviews are possibly the reason for corruption at the lower levels.
He noted that he had said in his address from the Red Fort on August 15 that government jobs below a certain rank should be freed from the requirement of an interview.