Modi recounts Gujarat's success as he begins fast

"My fast is not against anyone... that was, is and will never be my agenda. Just like the world praises Gujarat's model for development and governance, that day is not far when people will discuss our model for inclusive growth and communal harmony," Modi said to a cheering crowd at Gujarat University's plush convention hall here.

"I can say with pride that we want to move ahead and give something back to the nation. A state like Gujarat can pull another state which is not so developed. We have the strength and the capability," he added.

Recounting the Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the communal violence of 2002 and the serial blasts of 2008, Modi said that each time the people have emerged stronger and have touched new heights of development.

"We have to move ahead taking everyone along and for that secularism and communal harmony is very important," he said. 

A large number of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders like L.K. Advai and Arun Jaitley were present at the event.