Three-time MLA from Surat West recognised for public accessibility, responsiveness and developmental initiatives; 11 outstanding MLAs selected following an extensive four-month ground survey across all 182 Assembly constituencies of Gujarat
Gandhinagar, Gujarat | August 29, 2026
Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji, Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and MLA from Surat West Assembly Constituency, was honoured with the prestigious Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026 at the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026, held at Town Hall, Sector-17, Gandhinagar.
The award recognised his contribution to public service, constituency development, accessibility to citizens and responsiveness towards public concerns.
Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji has been elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly three times — in the 2013 by-election, 2017 and 2022 — representing Surat West.
He has also served as a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Gujarat, holding important portfolios including Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism, and currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
Strong Public Connect and Accessibility
A significant aspect highlighted during the assessment was Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji’s direct engagement with the people of his constituency.
Public feedback gathered during the ground survey reflected his accessibility and responsiveness towards citizens approaching him with their concerns.
One of the notable aspects of his public-engagement approach is the emphasis on following up on citizens’ grievances. According to feedback received during the assessment, after a matter is taken up for resolution, he is known to personally follow up in certain cases to enquire whether the concerned citizen’s work has been completed.
His experience in public life, understanding of governance and law, organisational background and direct engagement with citizens were among the factors considered during the assessment.
The recognition acknowledges his sustained engagement with the people of Surat West and his contribution to public service and development.
Award Presented in the Presence of Distinguished Dignitaries
The award was presented during the prestigious ceremony graced by Hon’ble Prof. Jagdish Mukhi Ji, Former Governor of Assam, as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was also attended by senior public representatives and distinguished guests, including Hon’ble Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama Ji, Former Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat; Hon’ble Shri Kantilal Amrutiya Ji, Minister, Government of Gujarat; and Hon’ble Shri Sanjaysinh Mahida Ji, Minister, Government of Gujarat, along with legislators, former ministers, senior public representatives and dignitaries from different fields.
The distinguished presence of senior leaders and public representatives added further significance to the occasion.
Four-Month Ground Survey Across All 182 Assembly Constituencies
The Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026 were based on an extensive ground-level assessment undertaken by Shining India News & Shining India Survey across all 182 Assembly constituencies of Gujarat over approximately four months.
The process incorporated direct public opinion, grassroots research and predefined assessment parameters to evaluate the performance and public engagement of legislators.
Key areas of assessment included accessibility to citizens, responsiveness to public concerns, resolution of local issues, constituency development, education, healthcare, drinking water, roads and infrastructure, agriculture and irrigation, rural development, sanitation, social welfare, women and child welfare and direct engagement with the public.
Following the extensive assessment process, 55 MLAs with notable reports were initially identified for further evaluation, from which 11 MLAs were finally selected for the Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026.
11 MLAs Honoured with Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026
The following legislators were honoured at the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026:
- Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji — Surat West Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Kantilal Amrutiya Ji — Morbi Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Janakbhai Talaviya Ji — Lathi Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Jagdishbhai Makwana Ji — Wadhwan Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Sanjaysinh Mahida Ji — Mahudha Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Bhagwanjibhai Kargatiya Ji — Mangrol Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Chaitanyasinh Pratapsinh Zala Ji — Padra Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Bhagabhai Barad Ji — Talala Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Jignesh Mevani Ji — Vadgam (SC) Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Nareshbhai Patel Ji — Gandevi (ST) Assembly Constituency
- Hon’ble Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya Ji — Amreli Assembly Constituency
“Recognition of Public Trust and Grassroots Service” — Hrithik Saini
Hrithik Saini, Editor-in-Chief of Shining India News & Shining India Survey, said that the selection process was designed to recognise public representatives on the basis of grassroots performance and feedback received from citizens.
He said:
“Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji has a long and distinguished record of public service. During our ground assessment, his accessibility to the people, responsiveness towards public concerns and direct connection with citizens emerged as important aspects of his public service.
One particularly noteworthy quality is his approach towards public grievances. When citizens approach him with an issue, he not only makes efforts towards its resolution but is also known to follow up personally in certain cases to enquire whether their work has actually been completed. Such responsiveness strengthens the relationship of accountability and trust between a public representative and the people.
It is our privilege to honour him with the Shining India Best MLA Award – 2026.
This recognition is not merely an award for an individual legislator; it also represents recognition of the public trust, grassroots service and responsibility associated with elected public office.”
Selection Based on Public Service, Development and Public Opinion
The Shining India Best MLA Awards are an independent, survey-based initiative. The selection process does not seek to recognise legislators on the basis of political party or ideology.
Instead, the assessment focuses on public service, development, accessibility, accountability, grassroots performance, responsiveness and direct public feedback.
The 11 award recipients represented different regions and constituencies of Gujarat, reflecting the broader objective of recognising positive public service wherever it emerges.
25 Years of Experience in Media, Research and Public Opinion
Shining India News & Shining India Survey have been active for the past 25 years in the fields of media, research, public opinion and surveys.
Over the years, the organisations have undertaken grassroots studies, public-opinion exercises, research and surveys on social, political and public-interest issues with an emphasis on understanding citizens’ perspectives and ground realities.
Drawing on this experience, the Shining India Best MLA Awards have evolved as an independent, research and survey-based initiative aimed at recognising notable public service and grassroots performance.
The Gandhinagar ceremony marked the 18th Shining India Best MLA Awards, continuing a series of 17 previous editions held across different states of India. Earlier editions of the awards were also held in Gujarat in 2012 and 2017.
OFFICIAL AWARD – 2026
SHINING INDIA BEST MLA AWARD – 2026
Hon’ble Shri Purneshbhai Modi Ji
Deputy Speaker, Gujarat Legislative Assembly
MLA — Surat West Assembly Constituency
In Recognition of Outstanding Public Service & Development Initiatives
Presented at:
18th Shining India Best MLA Awards – Gujarat 2026
August 29, 2026 | Town Hall, Sector-17, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Organised by:
Shining India News & Shining India Survey
— Shining India News Bureau
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