Kolkata, Apr. 9 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached out to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, and expressed confidence that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) will fulfill the people's dreams.
Modi, who addressed captains of industry here, blamed the former Left Front Government in West Bengal for creating obstacles in the state's path of development over the past 32 years.
"Bengal too was potholed for 32 years, and filling this is a huge effort, and, it is being done now. I believe steps are being taken in the right direction in Bengal, but it will take many years," Modi said.
The Gujarat Chief Minister also made it clear that he was not on Banerjee's home turf to point flaws in her governance and her administration.
"The media wants me to say something about Bengal so that in the next day's papers the Gujarat Government cannot be compared to the Bengal Government. But I am not here for that," said Modi.
"Please accept that I am not speaking for Kolkata, or Bengal. Just pretend I am speaking in Ahmedabad and spare us the controversy," he added.
Modi also lauded West Bengal's contribution to India's freedom struggle.
" We have the opportunity to make Swami Vivekananda's dream into a reality. In India everyone can climb on to the development bandwagon. This land of the Bengal has potential. Without your strength and support, India's development will not be complete," he said.
The Gujarat Chief Minister said that he would learn from West Bengal and adopt its practices in his state.
"For a high jump, you have to go back. Similarly, to move ahead, to get a new start, you have to reach back a little, learn from your past. It is said this is the century of knowledge. But Bengal has been rich in knowledge and learning for hundreds of years," said Modi.
"West Bengal's development will make the eastern part of the country powerful," he added.
Modi's praise for West Bengal comes at a time when Banerjee is in New Delhi to seek financial assistance for her state from the central government.
The TMC had parted ways with the UPA Government in September last year over the Centre's economic reforms, including the opening of the retail sector to foreign super-chains like Wal-Mart.
Modi, who has so far been a super hit with corporate India, earlier on Monday addressed the FICCI Ladies Forum in New Delhi, and laid emphasis on women empowerment. (ANI)
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