Focus on positive changes in society, not on vote bank politics: PM to BJP workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged BJP workers to focus on social reforms and positive changes rather than vote bank politics.

Interacting virtually with participants of the ongoing 'Seva Yatra', a motorcycle rally travelling from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi said the gap between cities and villages in India had narrowed significantly over the past 12 years, while rural infrastructure had improved considerably.

He also said self-reliance among women had increased in the country.

Modi invokes Mahatma Gandhi

Modi said Mahatma Gandhi's life showed that social reform was an important part of public service alongside the freedom movement.

“Therefore, we political workers too must continue working towards social reform and positive change, not look at vote banks. Those who serve society deserve to have their service respected,” Modi said.

Praise for Prayagraj cleanliness workers

During the interaction, the prime minister praised those involved in cleanliness work in Prayagraj, saying their efforts helped make the 'Kumbh Mela' known worldwide for sanitation and enhanced India's honour.

"So, I felt compelled to wash the feet of those who have enhanced India's honour so much, to seek their blessings," he said.

Modi recalls journeys across India

Modi said the 'Seva Yatra' had played an important role in his life and recalled travelling across several districts of the country.

"There are countless districts where I have had the opportunity to spend the night.

Every journey and every experience gathered along the way continues to guide me like a guru even today. These journeys have taught me so much," he said.

Bike rallies mark 25 years of public service

Two motorcycle rallies were flagged off from Vadnagar and Varanasi on September 17, Modi's 76th birthday. The rallies will conclude on October 7.

The two routes — Vadnagar to Varanasi and Varanasi to Vadnagar — are being organised to mark Modi's 25 years of public service.

Vadnagar in Gujarat is Modi's birthplace, while Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has been his Lok Sabha constituency since 2014.

The rallies are passing through towns, districts and villages, taking the spirit of service to grassroots communities.

Vadnagar and Kashi connect through seva

Modi said Vadnagar had given him the values that shaped his life, while Kashi had added "countless colours of service" to those values.

"I am glad that all of you, young friends are also enriching this journey with the many colours of service," he said.

The rallies combine public engagement initiatives focused on 'seva' (service), 'sampark' (connect), youth participation, social welfare, cultural connect and community mobilisation.

Modi recalls Deendayal Upadhyaya's principles

Paying tribute to Sangh Parivar ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya, Modi said his seven principles for fulfilling duties towards society continued to inspire BJP workers.

He listed the principles as Spirit of Service, Balance, Self-restraint, Coordinators, Positivity, Sensitivity and Dialogue.

"We will only stop after building a developed India. This sentiment is manifested in the 'Seva Sankalp Yatra', and this sentiment is visible everywhere," he said.

Rallies combine service with public outreach

On Thursday, Modi had interacted with participants travelling from Vadnagar to Varanasi.

The participants are not only passing through communities but also meeting residents and undertaking service activities based on local needs, sources said.

Interacting with beneficiaries of government welfare schemes, youth and women to understand changes brought by welfare and empowerment schemes is among the key objectives of the rallies.

Leaders attend Vadnagar, Varanasi events

The Vadnagar flag-off event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Anupriya Patel, among others.

The Varanasi event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Chirag Paswan, besides other leaders.

Modi served as Gujarat chief minister from October 7, 2001, to May 22, 2014. He became prime minister on May 26, 2014, and has remained in office after winning three consecutive Lok Sabha elections.