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.
BJP president Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM president Hemang Joshi are scheduled to address the gathering and speak about the significance of seva in public life and Modi’s political journey. 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.
“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. He said criticism had also played a role in shaping his approach, helping him reflect on himself.
