Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a heartfelt revelation about his special bond with Goa during the 550th-year celebrations of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt in Canacona on Friday. The Prime Minister shared how the coastal state has been instrumental at every major turning point in his political career.
Goa: The Constant in Modi's Political Evolution
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep connection with Goa, stating that the state has played a pivotal role throughout various phases of his life. "In various phases of my life, Goa has played a pivotal role," he told the attentive audience at the historic event.
The Prime Minister elaborated on this unique relationship, noting, "I don't know how it happened, but it's a fact that at every turning point, it is this land of Goa that has taken me forward and shaped my journey." This statement underscores a bond that has endured for more than two decades between the leader and the coastal state.
Historical Turning Points in Goa
The significance of Goa in Modi's political trajectory became particularly evident during two crucial moments in his career. The first major test came in April 2002 during the BJP national executive meet in Goa. At this critical juncture, Modi faced intense pressure following the post-Godhra riots, with even then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee expressing reservations about his continuation as Gujarat chief minister.
However, with crucial support from national executive members gathered in Goa, Modi managed to overcome stiff opposition and retain his position. This victory in Goa proved transformative, as the months following this meeting saw him lead his party to spectacular electoral successes in Gujarat, cementing his political standing.
The 2013 Convention That Changed Everything
Eleven years later, Goa once again emerged as the setting for another monumental shift in Modi's political destiny. At the 2013 Goa convention, the Bharatiya Janata Party made the historic decision to appoint him as the election campaign chief for the 2014 general elections. This appointment effectively paved the way for his eventual declaration as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
Reflecting on this moment during his recent address, Modi had previously acknowledged, "Goa has a very special place for me. This is the same Goa that allowed me to continue to serve Gujarat in 2002." This statement highlights how both critical moments in his political survival and ascent are intimately connected to the coastal state.
Continuing the Goa Connection as Prime Minister
Even after assuming the country's highest office, Modi maintained his special relationship with Goa. Notably, his first official visit outside New Delhi in 2014 as Prime Minister was to Goa, where he laid the foundation stone for the third Mandovi bridge. The state continued to be his preferred location for significant announcements, as he chose Goa for his first public address post-demonetisation in 2016.
During the mutt celebrations, the spiritual leader Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Sreepad Wader Swami praised Modi for steering India toward development and prosperity. In his characteristic humble response, the Prime Minister redirected the credit to the citizens of the nation.
"It is the outcome of the determination and endeavours of the people. The future too holds promise of even brighter outcomes, because I have faith in my 140 crore countrymen," Modi stated, emphasizing that the achievements attributed to him are actually the accomplishments of all Indians working together toward national progress.
