On the second day of his fast on Sunday, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said his abstemious measure was aimed at making his state more prosperous and harmonious rather than pursuing prime ministership.
"I don't know what makes media persons think that way. I talk about Gujarat and its development, which has been recognised all over," Modi told news channels, responding to questions whether he was promoting his candidature for prime minister.
Asked why he went on a fast following the favourable Supreme Court verdict in the Gulberg society case, Modi said the Sadbhavana (right thinking) mission was intended to tell the world that the Gujarat developmental model - which was captured in the slogan 'sabka saath, sabka vikaas' (participation of everyone, progress for everyone) - was the "right path of development" for India to take.
Meanwhile, a large number of people from across the state were brought in state transport and private luxury buses at the fast venue - Gujarat University convention hall.
"More than 500 state transport buses were hired to bring people from far-flung areas of the state," said a government official involved in preparations.
{{/usCountry}}"More than 500 state transport buses were hired to bring people from far-flung areas of the state," said a government official involved in preparations.
{{/usCountry}}A large crowd turned up because it was Sunday.
Muslims have been brought to give the place a composite character.
BJP leaders such as Ananth Kumar, DV Sadananda Gowda, Shahnawaj Hussain and Vijay Goel came to support the chief minister in the Sadbhavna mission. They praised Modi for development works undertaken by the Gujarat government.
Shahnawaj Hussain said the large gathering of Muslims at the venue suggested the community had moved on and accepted the leadership of Modi, adding the development model given by the chief minister had eliminated divisive politics.