SURAT: Chief minister

said, "Development of Gujarat has taken place due to the hard work put in by labourers belonging to other states, particularly in textiles and construction sectors."

Addressing a 'mahasammelan' of north Indians at Limbayat here on Sunday, he described migrant workers as pillars of development of the state. Calling Surat, a mini India, the

said, "Migrants are my

as they go and talk about Gujarat's development in their native states. They are the ones who talk of peace and brotherhood and this has ignited the growth mechanism in Gujarat."

Modi said, "Many multi-national companies are coming to our country looking for business opportunities. They choose Gujarat as this is the only state which provides them a business friendly environment. We don't have labour problems, don't have strikes."

The chief minister came down heavily on the centre on its decision of banning cotton exports. "Now, they are thinking of lifting the ban but what about the losses that the farmers have incurred in the past ten days?

's anti-farmer policy has hurt Gujarat's farmers," he said.

A large crowd had gathered to hear Modi at the venue. However, majority of them were not north Indian migrants but Maharastrians who stay in Limbayat.