People trust BJP for urban development: PM Modi

Addressing the council of Mayors and Deputy Mayors, he said that local bodies like panchayats and municipalities were directly linked with people.

He urged BJP leaders to work at the ground level.

As many as 121 mayors and deputy mayors of BJP-ruled urban local bodies across the country are participating in the two-day event, organised by the party's Good Governance cell.

Modi said: "The citizens of our country have placed faith in the BJP for the development of cities for a very long time. It is our responsibility to maintain it and take it forward."

He said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel started his journey as a Mayor.

"We shall follow his path for a better India and work for its development. All Mayors must follow Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas And Sabka Prayas.”

He said Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities were now becoming the centre of economic activities, and the focus should be on developing industry clusters in those areas.

"Small vendors must get training to use digital payments systems. Mayors must take initiative to ensure this," he said.

The Prime Minister said the elected representatives should not think just in terms of winning elections.

"You cannot develop your city with an election-centric approach."

Talking about Gujarat, the Prime Minister said: "Gujarat is the state which first started with BRT...App based cabs have now become popular. But in Gujarat, it started long ago. Many years ago, Innovative Rickshaw Service, G autos were started. The innovation was done by our auto drivers themselves."

"Today we talk about regional rapid transport systems, and multi modal connectivity. Gujarat has been working on multi modal connectivity for many years. We should work with a vision for the future," he said.

The two-day conference in Gujarat capital Gandhinagar was virtually inaugurated by Modi. BJP President J P Nadda was also present.