Gandhinagar: Triggering a fresh bout of speculations about his probable role in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the 2014 elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended invitation to industrialists to attend the seventh edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS) in 2015.
"Let me first finish the important work to invite you all. You all should note down January 11, 2015. I am inviting you all for 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit," Modi said signing off the showpiece biennial Vibrant Gujarat summit edition which was held against the backdrop of his thumping victory in 2012 Assembly elections being at the helm of Gujarat.
"When I invited you (industry) in 2011, media took me to the task as there was an impending assembly election in 2012......I was then inviting you for 2013. But this time, we don't have that danger," he remarked.
Modi's invitation comes at a time when he is being tipped to be a frontrunner Prime Ministerial candidate in the BJP for 2014 general elections. However, by extending the invite for 2015 VGS, Modi has added new gist to speculations on when he is going to take up the central role.
Doing away with the convention, the Gujarat government this time refrained from declaring overall figure of the proposed investments pledged by industries. However, the state government said "there were investment intentions for 17,719 projects against 8,380 investment intentions in 2011 VGS summit".
"Those people who evaluate the success of this summit only on the basis of money won't understand what this is all about. But they will be able to do that after 10 years," Modi said.
Whipping up the Gujarati pride, Modi said "Every one (foreign delegates) here is trying their best to say how are you? in Gujarathi....This is the proof of their enthusiasm to have bonding with the earth of Gujarat".
Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry who was present at the valedictory session said, "there is a culture of implementation at various level in Gujarat and our commitment in Gujarat goes beyond industrialisation and investment."
"This summit is that amazing event which caters to the bonding of scores of people from the world with Gujarat....And this bonding is stronger than branding. Power of this bonding is much stronger then power of branding of Gujarat", Modi said.
"People of 121 countries who can not live for an hour without non-vegetarian are enjoying our vegetarian hospitality for past many days. Isn't it amazing?" he asked.
Highlighting the development in the western state under his rule, Modi said "Earlier people used to say Gujarat is one hour's flight from Mumbai...Today they say that Mumbai is a city close to Gujarat."
"This event has created an urge in people of this state....An urge to change...A change which they saw through exhibitions and trade show here," he added.
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