Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on Thursday virtually equated Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mahatma Gandhi in an unbridled eulogy during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.

“Just as Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to its freedom, became an icon for many struggles for liberation and people’s movements against injustice and inequality around the world in the 20th century, Modiji, too, is set to emerge as a global icon in the 21st century, particularly with his pursuit of development,” Bharti said while addressing non-resident Indians (NRIs) at the programme.

The saffron-clad minister, who also holds the portfolios of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in the Modi government, even attributed being chosen by Modi to clean up the holy river to the good deeds from her previous life.

Bharti called on the Indian diaspora to involve themselves in “Namami Gange” project, either by helping the government mobilise resources, or by suggesting appropriate technology and solutions to clean up the polluted river.

“Modiji is emerging as the hero of all leaders around the world and India is emerging as the greatest among all nations,” she said.

This year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas coincided with the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in January 1915. 

The historic event is also the central theme of the conclave, with the Father or the Nation being referred to as the “greatest Pravasi Bharatiya”.