Development projects worth around ₹35,000 crore took centre stage during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat visit, but his Vadodara address also turned into a reflection on his political journey and a sharp criticism of the Opposition.
PM Modi inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stones for new development works during the visit. His address covered areas including infrastructure, manufacturing, railways, technology and opportunities for young people.
From Gujarat to Delhi
Vadodara also provided PM Modi with an opportunity to look back at an important phase of his political career.
Recalling his connection with the city, the Prime Minister said voters in Vadodara had helped send him to Delhi at a crucial point in the country’s political transition.
The city was one of the two constituencies from which PM Modi contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the other being Varanasi.
A comparison over development
The Prime Minister used the address to compare the pace of development after 2014 with the record of the earlier Congress-led government.
He highlighted the railway sector in particular, saying that 50,000 modern rail coaches had been built since 2014.
Modi contrasted the figure with what he described as the previous government’s record, claiming that it could not build even 50,000 toilets in 10 years.
He returned to the comparison later in his speech while continuing his criticism of the Opposition.
‘Naraj Fufaji’ becomes a political jab
Among the more unusual moments of the address was PM Modi’s reference to what he described as the “Angry Uncle” or “Naraj Fufaji” mindset of his political opponents.
Speaking about the railways, PM Modi claimed that India has built 50,000 modern rail coaches since 2014. He contrasted this with his criticism of the previous government, saying that it could not build even 50,000 toilets in ten years.
A stronger youth focus in Vadodara
The gathering also had a strong youth presence, giving the Prime Minister’s visit an additional political dimension.
The timing is notable as Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi was recently appointed president of the BJP’s National Youth Front. His appointment has brought greater attention to youth leadership and outreach in the city.
For the audience in Vadodara, however, the visit was also centred on the development works announced for Gujarat.
With projects worth around ₹35,000 crore being inaugurated or launched, PM Modi used the occasion to present infrastructure and economic development as part of his broader vision for the country, while drawing a clear political contrast with previous governments.
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