Following the success of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the border district of Kutch for the first time. From Bhuj, he dedicated 18 development projects worth Rs 2,326 crore and laid foundation stones for 15 more worth Rs 51,088 crore, bringing total development works worth over Rs 53,400 crore to the state.
He also sounded a warning to Pakistan, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
At a gathering near Time Square in Bhuj, the Prime Minister addressed a crowd with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” reverberating in the air. Greeting them in the local dialect with “Ki Aayo Kutchhi,” he praised Kutch residents as guardians of the nation’s border and paid homage to Shyamji Krishna Varma and Maa Ashapura.
Recalling his emotional connection to the region, the Prime Minister said the love of Kutch’s people continually draws him back. He described the arrival of Narmada waters as a momentous occasion, like Diwali, in a region long plagued by drought. He called reshaping the once-barren land a blessed chapter of his life.
He praised Kutch’s farmers for their determination in the face of historic water scarcity, crediting their resolve for the district’s development. Reflecting on the past, he spoke of the earthquake that devastated Kutch, noting global skepticism about recovery. Yet, he said, the region rose stronger, now thriving in trade and tourism.
The Prime Minister lauded Kutch’s renewable energy effort, saying it was poised to become the world’s largest green energy hub. Calling green hydrogen as the next big transformation, he believed it would soon be used on vehicles and streetlights.
Further, he announced the foundation stone of a green hydrogen plant at Kandla, powered by Made in India technology. He also mentioned the Khavda solar cluster, one of the world’s largest, stating that the once-dusty desert will now power India’s future. To promote affordable power, he highlighted the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with lakhs of Gujaratis already participating.
Stressing the economic value of coastlines, India’s PM noted that one-third of the country’s maritime trade passes through Kutch ports, especially Kandla and Mundra. He celebrated the record 15 crore tonnes of cargo handled in a single year at major ports, including Deendayal Port.
The Prime Minister said India will manufacture large ships domestically, recalling Mandvi’s historical shipbuilding legacy. He also emphasised the sector’s export potential and its role in generating employment.
On water management, he credited the Kevadia-Kutch canal for transforming local agriculture. Today, mangoes, dates, cumin, and more from the region reach markets across India and the world.
Shifting focus to tourism, the Prime Minister pointed to Rann Utsav, Smritivan (UNESCO-acclaimed), and Dhordo (world’s best tourism village) as major attractions. He encouraged beach sports at Mandvi to further boost coastal tourism.
Broadening the scope of his address, Modi reflected on his oath as Prime Minister 11 years ago, noting India’s rise from the 11th to the fourth largest global economy.
Pakistan, Eat Your Bread Or Have My Bullets
Addressing terrorism, he reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy and cited Operation Sindoor as a decisive move to uphold humanity and eliminate terror.
“Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation — it is a reflection of our Indian values and the deep emotions we hold close to our hearts,” he said.
Citing the Pahalgam incident, he recalled that India’s armed forces were given full authority after Pakistan failed to act against terrorist groups. In response, Indian forces launched a retaliatory strike that precisely destroyed enemy bases.
He added that Pakistan then attempted a retaliatory attack on Indian citizens, prompting a counterstrike with twice the force. He said India’s targeting of key military installations astonished the global community, and he praised the armed forces’ precision and courage.
The Prime Minister also recalled the 1971 war, when women from Madhapar rebuilt a bombed-out airstrip in 72 hours. From that very runway, Indian Air Force jets launched decisive strikes. He said the same women have now blessed him with a Sindoor plant, which will be used to develop a Sindoor Van (forest) in the region.
Closing his address, Modi issued a direct appeal to citizens of Pakistan, urging them to recognise that their government and military support terrorism for financial gain. He called on them to reflect on this reality for the sake of their children’s future.
“I want to ask the people of Pakistan — what have you gained (by terrorism)? India is now fourth largest economy. Where are you?” PM Modi said. “To free Pakistan of the disease of terrorism, the people of Pakistan should come forward. Their young people should come forward.”
“Sukh chain ki zindagi jio, roti khao. Varna meri goli to hai hi (Live a peaceful life, eat your bread, else my bullets are there,” he added.
“Jab koi hamari behno ke sindoor ko mitayega, toh uska bhi mitna tay ho jata hai. (If anyone dares to wipe off the sindoor of our sisters, their end is certain),” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s arrival was marked by a vibrant roadshow through Bhuj. A one-kilometer-long tricolor led the procession as crowds lined the streets. Local communities showcased Kutch’s diverse cultural traditions with drums, shehnai, flower showers, and folk performances.
Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Says Country Has Broken Decades-Old Shackles https://www.vibesofindia.com/prime-minister-narendra-modi-says-country-has-broken-decades-old-shackles/
