Even as the ruling BJP in Gujarat managed a massive show of strength by mobilising huge crowds with the upcoming assembly election in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid emphasis on 'Double Engine Government.'
Modi was speaking at a programme organised in Surat to lay the foundation stone and dedicate to public developmental works to the tune of Rs 3400 crore.
After landing in Surat, the Prime Minister began his two-day visit to his home state by doing a road show. The route was over two-and-a-half kilometres.
Addressing the gathering in Limbayat, Modi did not seek votes for the BJP in so many words but made sure to make references to 'Double Engine Government' in his speech, which was shorter than his usual ones.
"After getting the 'Double Engine Government' (NDA coming to power at the Centre), it has been easy to build homes and, poor and middle class are also getting all other facilities," said Modi as he listed the developmental schemes initiated by his government at the Centre. He also gave a break up of people who benefited from it in Surat.
The Prime Minister also used the tagline of 'Double Engine Government' by mentioning how approvals are now fast and the works can also progress at a fast pace.
Without naming the UPA, the Prime Minister said they (the government in Gujarat) got tired of telling the previous government at the Centre the need for an airport in Surat. "Same was the case with the metro," he added. He said the government was working keeping in mind the requirements of the masses.
Modi was all praise for Surat, its people and the authorities while mentioning the progress the diamond city has made. He, at the same time, did not fail to mention the adverse publicity during the time of natural calamities in the region.
Surat, he said, is an inspiration for progress. It respects hard work, recognizes talent, your aspirations of development are fulfilled and your dreams of growing higher are realized.
Modi also managed to strike a chord with the masses, addressing them 'Surti Lalas,' as people staying in Surat are fondly called. He also mentioned how overjoyed he is to visit Surat but not during Navratri when one was fasting and has to return without having food.
Thursday’s programme is expected to give a boost to the BJP’s campaign in South Gujarat at a time when the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has started making the right noise in the region. Deciding not to take any chances, the BJP had recently sent senior ministers, including Purshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandaviya, to handle the situation.
Modi is slated to visit Bhavnagar later in the day and late in the evening, he will inaugurate 36th National Games in Ahmedabad.
He will also take part in the state-level garba programme being held at GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad.
