PM’s address at the foundation stone laying, inauguration, dedication of various Projects to the nation at Navsari
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 22 Feb, 2024

Bharat Mata Ki Jai ! Bharat Mata Ki Jai ! The popular Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, distinguished Ministers of the State Government, my parliamentary colleague, representative of the same region and Gujarat’s Bharatiya Janata Party President C.R. Patil, honourable MPs and MLAs, and my dear brothers and sisters, how are you all doing? This marks my third event today in Gujarat. Earlier this morning, I had the privilege of meeting and conversing with lakhs of individuals involved in animal husbandry and the dairy industry from across Gujarat in Ahmedabad. Following that, I had the honour of participating in the consecration ceremony of the Valinath temple in Mehsana. And now, I am delighted to join all of you in celebrating the advancements in development here in Navsari. As Bhupendra Bhai mentioned, perhaps for the first time since independence, such extensive development work worth substantial sums of money has been undertaken in one go. So, in the spirit of this grand celebration of development, I urge each one of you to take out your mobile phones and turn on their flashlight, becoming a part of the Vikas Utsav (Development Festival). Bharat Mata ki Jai… let’s infuse this moment with fervour. Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Well done. Today, it feels as though a diamond is sparkling in Navsari. Recently, Vadodara, Navsari, Bharuch, Surat, and other areas have welcomed new projects worth thousands of crores of rupees, spanning textiles, electricity, and urban development. Congratulations to all of you for these projects, collectively valued at more than Rs 40 thousand crore. Friends, A fervent discussion is currently ongoing across the nation, in Parliament and on the streets alike. That discussion revolves around “Modi’s guarantee.” Every citizen is acknowledging that whatever Modi promises, he delivers. Perhaps this is a novel concept for the rest of the country, but the people of Gujarat have known for years that Modi’s word is his bond – the guarantee of fulfilling promises. Do you recall when I was in Gujarat, I often spoke about the Five F’s? These Five F’s represented the journey from “Farm to Fiber, Fiber to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign.” That is, the farmer will grow cotton; the cotton will go to the factory; the threads made in the factory will be made into garments; these garments will be exported to foreign countries. My vision was to establish a complete supply and value chain within the textile sector. It should happen, right? Today, we are implementing similar strategies to foster a self-reliant Bharat. The inauguration of PM Mitra Park in Navsari, the first of its kind in the country for the textile sector, marks a significant step towards this goal. This initiative will bolster the textile industry, elevating Bharat’s share in textile exports. Just imagine Surat’s diamonds and Navsari’s apparel, showcasing Gujarat’s prominence in the global fashion market. Shall we not hear the echoes of Gujarat reverberating across the world? Friends, Today, in essence, the Surat Silk City is expanding its reach to Navsari. Bharat has begun to rival the world’s largest producers and exporters in this sector, with Gujarat’s textile industry making a significant contribution to this feat. Over the years, Surat’s textiles have established a strong identity of their own. Once the PM Mitra Park is completed here, the landscape of this entire area will undergo a transformation. An investment of Rs 3000 crore will be made in the construction of this park alone. A value chain ecosystem will be established here, encompassing activities such as spinning, weaving, ginning, garment production, technical textiles, and textile machinery. This means that thousands of artisans and labourers will have opportunities to work here. Additionally, the park will feature amenities such as housing, a logistics park, warehousing facilities, healthcare services, and training and skill development programmes for workers. This implies that the park will create employment and self-employment opportunities in the surrounding villages as well. Friends, Today marks the commencement of another significant project for the people of Surat. The foundation stone of the Tapi River Barrage, to be constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 800 crore, was laid today. The construction of the Tapi River Barrage will resolve the longstanding challenge of water supply in Surat for many years to come. It will also aid in mitigating threats such as floods. Friends, Gujarat understands the significance of electricity in social life and industrial development. Twenty to twenty-five years ago, Gujarat faced prolonged power cuts. Individuals who are currently 25-30 years old may not even be aware of the dark times we endured. When I assumed the role of CM, people would come to me pleading for electricity, particularly during evening meal times. Reflecting on those days, it’s hard to believe that such conditions existed. There were numerous challenges in electricity production at that time. Coal had to be sourced from distant locations or imported from abroad. Gas-generated electricity also relied on imports. Generating electricity from water was not a viable option. The development of Gujarat seemed improbable amidst these crises. However, Modi was determined to surmount these obstacles. Thus, we prioritized the adoption of modern technology to overcome the electricity crisis in Gujarat. Solar and wind energy became focal points of our strategy. Today, Gujarat boasts significant electricity generation from solar and wind sources. Friends, The role of our nuclear power plants in supplying electricity to 21st-century Bharat is set to expand further. Today, two new reactors at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant in Tapi have been inaugurated. Both these reactors have been constructed using ‘Made in India’ technology. Let’s chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai once and proudly raise our hands for this self-reliance – Bharat Mata Ki Jai! This underscores Bharat’s journey towards self-sufficiency in every sphere. With this development, Gujarat will receive a greater supply of electricity from this plant, further fuelling its industrial growth. Friends, Whether it’s Navsari or Valsad, the South Gujarat region is currently experiencing an unprecedented phase of development. The infrastructure here is continuously being modernized. Speaking of solar energy, when we consider our Gujarat, our Gujaratis are known for their meticulous attention to financial matters. They excel in accounting. Now, Modi has provided another assurance, which is immensely beneficial for you—the scheme of free electricity up to 300 units, known as PM Surya Ghar. Under PM Surya Ghar, 300 units of electricity are provided free of charge. This includes essential household appliances such as ACs, fans, fridges, and washing machines, making it accessible to almost every middle-class family. Moreover, the government will also provide funding to install solar panels on houses, offering loans through banks. Additionally, if you generate more than 300 units of electricity and have surplus to sell, the government will purchase that excess electricity from you, providing an additional source of income. Isn’t that profitable? In Gujarat, engage in the endeavour of supplying solar electricity, harnessing the power of the sun, and providing free electricity to every household. This is Modi’s guarantee. Furthermore, the country’s first bullet train will pass through this area, connecting major economic hubs such as Mumbai and Surat. Friends, Navsari is now gaining recognition for its industrial development, but the entire South Gujarat region, including Navsari, is also significantly advanced in agriculture. When the BJP government began providing facilities to farmers here, fruit cultivation practices saw a notable increase. Hapus mangoes from this region, along with Valsad mangoes and Navsari chikoos, are renowned worldwide. Wherever I go, people mention them to me. The double-engine government is currently assisting farmers at every stage. Navsari’s farmers have also benefited from over Rs 350 crore through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Friends, Modi has pledged to empower the poor, the farmers, youth, and women across the country. This guarantee extends beyond merely devising schemes; it encompasses ensuring that entitled individuals receive the full benefits of these initiatives. Modi’s commitment aims to eradicate poverty and deprivation from every household in the nation. Hence, the government is actively reaching out to beneficiaries, identifying them, and connecting them with the relevant schemes. Friends, For years, the Congress-led governments, both nationally and in Gujarat, neglected the tribal areas and coastal villages. However, here in Gujarat, the BJP government has diligently worked to provide essential amenities throughout the entire tribal belt, from Umargam to Ambaji. Yet, this was not the case at the national level. Until 2014, over 100 districts across the country languished in underdevelopment, receiving little attention. Many of these districts were predominantly tribal. Over the past decade, through the Aspirational District Programme, these previously neglected areas have made significant strides in development. Brothers & Sisters, Modi’s guarantee commences where others’ promises falter. For the first time, the country’s poorest have the assurance of a pucca house—thanks to Modi’s guarantee. They can rest assured that they won’t go to bed hungry or endure suffering—because of Modi’s guarantee. Even sisters residing in remote villages are confident that their homes will have electricity and tap water—owing to Modi’s guarantee. The poor, farmers, shopkeepers, and labourers never imagined that insurance and pension schemes would be tailored for them. Yet, today, this is a reality—thanks to Modi’s guarantee. Let’s raise both hands in acknowledgment— it’s because of Modi’s guarantee. Friends, Sickle cell anaemia has posed a significant challenge in tribal areas. During my tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, we implemented various measures to address this issue. However, national efforts were imperative to combat this disease comprehensively. Consequently, we have initiated a national mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia. Under this initiative, screening for sickle cell anaemia is being conducted in tribal regions across the country. Lakhs of individuals have been examined during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Furthermore, a medical college is underway in this region. Previously, establishing a medical college in tribal-dominated districts was a formidable task. Today, medical colleges have been established in several tribal districts. Friends, Whether they are poor or middle class, residing in villages or cities, our government strives to enhance the standard of living for every citizen. During decades of Congress governance, Bharat could only achieve the 11th position in the global economy. Lagging behind in economic growth meant limited resources for the nation, hindering the development of both villages and small towns. However, under the BJP government’s leadership, Bharat has ascended from the 10th to the 5th rank in the global economy within a decade. This signifies that today, Indian citizens have more disposable income, thereby fostering increased spending. Consequently, robust connectivity infrastructure is being established even in small cities nationwide. The ease of air travel from small cities was once unimaginable, but it has now become a reality. Moreover, while Congress rule perpetuated the proliferation of slums in cities, our government is replacing them with pucca houses for the poor. Over the past decade, we have constructed over 4 crore pucca houses for the poor—just imagine, 4 crore homes! Friends, Today, Digital India is internationally recognized—a campaign that Congress once ridiculed. Digital India has revolutionized small cities, fostering the emergence of new startups and a burgeoning youth presence in sports. We witness the burgeoning growth of small towns in Gujarat, giving rise to a neo-middle class that will propel Bharat to become the world’s third-largest economic power. Brothers & Sisters, As much as the BJP government prioritizes development, it also cherishes our heritage. This region holds significant historical and cultural importance in our nation’s narrative. Whether during the freedom struggle or in nation-building endeavours, this region has made immense contributions. However, when nepotism, appeasement, and corruption overshadow politics, heritage is often neglected. Sadly, Congress has consistently perpetrated this injustice for decades. Today, the resonance of Bharat’s rich heritage reverberates worldwide. Wherever you go around the world, you will find that people want to visit Bharat and learn about it. Yet, Congress kept the world ignorant of Bharat’s true heritage for decades. During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi elevated salt and Khadi as symbols of freedom, yet Congress neglected Khadi and forgot the legacy of the Salt Satyagraha. Our government had the honour of erecting the Dandi Memorial at the site of the Dandi Salt Satyagraha and the Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Patel’s contributions. Yet, not a single top Congress leader has paid homage at these sites. No Gujarati can forget this disdain towards Gujarat. Friends, You have witnessed how Congress members stoop to caste-based insults against Modi. However, they fail to realize that their disparagement only fortifies our determination to surpass the 400-seat mark. The more mud they sling, 370 lotuses of strength will bloom with magnificence. Brothers & Sisters, Today, the Congress party lacks a forward-looking agenda for the nation, resorting instead to incessant criticism of Modi. This illustrates that when a party succumbs to nepotism, it prioritizes its own family over the greater good. Such a family-centric mindset stifles innovation, talent, and the aspirations of the youth. Its focus remains on preserving the status quo to safeguard its familial interests. This is the predicament facing the Congress today. In contrast, the BJP has charted a comprehensive roadmap for the next 25 years, outlining a vision for national development. Over this 25-year period, we aim to build a developed Gujarat and a developed Bharat. Friends, Your overwhelming presence today, including that of mothers and sisters, fills me with profound gratitude. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your blessings and support. Once again, hearty congratulations to all for you for these development projects. Say along with me – “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” Raise both hands and let us proclaim with fervour – “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” Thank you very much!