Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday started his three-day fast at the Gujarat University Convention Centre for "peace, harmony and unity in the state".
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including L K Advani and Arun Jaitley have reached the venue of the fast to show their support for the Gujarat CM.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and some senior leaders of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, are also present at the venue.
Interestingly, leaders of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United, another key party in the NDA, stayed away from the fast.
Modi begins 3-day fast for 'peace and unity'
Modi had earlier said that his fast would be part of a 'Sadbhavna (goodwill) Mission'.
In an open letter, Modi had told the people of Gujarat, "Let us come together and contribute in enhancing the dignity of Gujarat. I humbly submit before you that, as part of this responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, I am thinking of starting a movement of 'Sadbhavana Mission'.
"As part of this Sadbhavana Mission, I have resolved to fast for three days from Saturday, the 17th September 2011. My fast will conclude on 19th September.
"I deeply believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat's environment of peace, unity and harmony".
Modi begins 3-day fast for 'peace and unity'
"Sadbhavana Mission is completely dedicated to the society and the nation. I hope that, our effort to take Gujarat to new heights of development through peace, unity and harmony will contribute immensely in the progress and development of the nation as well," Modi had said.
The state Congress, under the leadership of Shankarsinh Vaghela, has decided to hold a parallel fast at the same time.
"Shankarsinh Vaghela will lead and other Congress leaders will also join him in the fast against Modi. It will start from September 17 at Sabarmati Ashram," sources in Gujarat Congress said.
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