Lauding the "Gujarat model", BJP president Amit Shah today said the same model finds resonance in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effort to make India "world's number 1 country."
"When BJP came to power in Gujarat, a new development model was thought of, which is being praised across the country and all over the world, known as Gujarat model," Shah said addressing a gathering here.
"Here (in Gujarat), government positions and ministries are not a source of enjoyment but a way to serve people. Such a culture is developed by (the) BJP government. And the result is there to see," he said.
Elaborating further on his idea of "Gujarat model," the BJP president said Gujarat developed into a "welfare state" under the leadership of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"When framers of Constitution discussed on what a state should be like, after six-and-half hour discussion, a welfare state was conceived. I can say that under Narendra Modi's leadership, BJP has helped develop Gujarat into a welfare state," he said.
"Today, Narendra Modi government (at the Centre), in full majority, is working to place India as number 1 country in the world, the foundation of which was laid under his leadership as the Chief Minister here (in Gujarat)," Shah added.
Shah was here to inaugurate a bus terminal which has been built, on a public private partnership, over 7,900 square metre area with the facilities of a mall-cum-multiplex, apart from having the capacity to handle 1,278 buses on a daily basis.
While praising "Gujarat model," Shah spoke about various initiatives taken by the state government to address the needs of different sections of society, including 'Kanya Kelavni Yojana' for girl child, 'Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana' for tribal, 'Sagar Khedut Yojana' for people living in coastal areas, among others.
He also spoke about Sabarmati Riverfront while elaborating on how (Narendra) Modi put a special focus on urban development.
"We came out with 100-150 town planning schemes at once for proper urban development under the leadership of Narendra Modi," the former Gujarat Minister added.
Shah also appealed to all parties to support legislations
and measures related to the "agenda of nation's development".
He was asked how BJP expects AIADMK to support the government on GST bill after campaigning aggressively against Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu.
"We have fulfilled the responsibility that was given to us to bring the nation out of policy paralysis and bring prosperity.
"We are confident that after fulfilling all the promises made to people in next three years, we will get a fresh mandate. We have worked much in two years," he said.
Responding to questions about Congress' criticism of the functioning of Modi government and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal daring the minsters for a debate, Shah said tersely the BJP cannot get into a debate with him. "What do you expect from Congress. Will they praise us," he said.
"This is the only government, which has taken one new initiative everyday," Shah said listing achievements of government in different sectors like manufacturing, power, software import as well as the steps taken for the welfare of farmers and youths
Facing sustained Congress attack on the issue of employment generation, the BJP chief referred to schemes like Stand Up, Start Up and Skill India, saying it was for the first time when any government worked with a belief that employment generation is not only about jobs.
Shah also claimed that price rise has "by and large" been under control, while foreign currency reserves have gone up.
The BJP chief also said that the issue of OROP, which was pending for last many years, was resolved during this government.
