Modi 'speaks' at Goa Hindu convention

Gujarat chief minister and prime minister 'hopeful' Narendra Modi may not have arrived in Goa for the BJP national executive meet yet, but he has already 'spoken'.

Modi's written message was Thursday read out at the All India Hindu Convention (AIHC), organised by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), which got underway Thursday at a temple complex 35 km from the state capital. Interestingly, the dates of the convention coincide with those of the BJP national executive meet.

Predictably, Modi's message was more religious than political.

"Even though every Hindu conducts himself with love, compassion and intimacy with god, giving precedence to non-violence, truth and 'satvikta', repelling demoniacal tendencies is in our destiny. It is our tradition to remain alert and raise a voice against persecution," Modi's message read.

He is expected to land in Goa Friday around noon.

"Only by protecting our culture, can the flag of 'dharma' and unity be kept intact. Organisations inspired by nationalism, patriotism and devotion for the Nation are true manifestations of people's power," the chief minister said.

According to HJS convenor Manoj Solanki, the coinciding of the AIHC and the the BJP national executive was an accident. "We had decided on the dates for our convention last year itself," Solanki said.

While the AIHC starts June 6 and ends June 10, the three-day BJP conclave is being held June 7-9 at the Goa Marriott, a beachside five-star resort.

The AIHC will be attended by over 250 invitees from across India and from countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the like.