At a time when the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre is struggling to keep basic needs of 'aam aadmi' affordable, Modi got full marks from corporate leaders for working towards uplifting the quality of life of the common man.
"Gujarat is shining like a lamp of gold and the credit goes to the visionary, effective and passionate leadership provided by Narendra Modi. We have a leader here with vision and determination to translate this vision into reality," Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said.
Speaking at the fifth global summit of 'Vibrant Gujarat' here, Ambani said Modi's efforts for growth and development in the state has been responsible for alleviating poverty.
"Given Gujarat's commitment towards the quality of life and prosperity of the people, I have no doubt that Gujarat will be the first state to vanish poverty in India," he added.
Expressing similar sentiments, Tata Group chief Ratan Tata said: "The leadership of Narendra Modi has proved that Gujarat is not only seeing industrial growth but is also witnessing rural development."
Anil Ambani exhorted other states to take a cue from Modi for development. "Gujarat is a role model for other states to learn from ... Narendra bhai has single handedly transformed the state into a power state," he said.
Gujarat today is the power capital and power hub of the country and stands out in a sharp contrast to other states in the country, Ambani added.
It may be recalled that in the last edition of the summit held in 2009, Anil Ambani and Bharti Group chief Sunil Mittal had said that Modi should be the next Prime Minister of India.
ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar said Gujarat is seen as the country's growth engine.
"Today when the world looks at India to drive world's growth, India looks at Gujarat to drive India's growth...the state has the potential and the ability to drive this growth," she added.
Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej gave full marks to Modi for his government's sustainable and inclusive policies.
The state government said it has got investment commitments from various corporate houses to the tune of nearly Rs 15 lakh crore on the first day of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat summit.
