Narendra Modi in Gujarat: Highlights of PM's visit to Surat, Silvassa and Botad

Water has come here to Saurashtra with the blessings of Maa Narmada. This makes the occasion very special: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/hnHRPIBYzC

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 17, 2017

We can see the good work done by @ChouhanShivraj on river water conservation and the Narmada: PM @narendramodi @CMMadhyaPradesh

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 17, 2017

With the chants of ‘Narmade, Sarvade’ PM Modi completes inauguration

With the chants of ‘Narmade, Sarvade’ we welcomed water from the Narmada to Botad. pic.twitter.com/xYHyv1cpJE

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2017

PM Modi assures farmers that soon technology will help change their lives for the better

We are working on the agriculture sector, invigorating it with new technology so that the income of farmers can be doubled by 2022: PM pic.twitter.com/bWgDi3MHfx

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) April 17, 2017

PM Modi tells farmers,“We will need to make drip irrigation a key part of our lives”

Modi calls out to farmers and speaks of the importance of irrigation. Recalling the days of the freedom movement, he also asks the nation to be more grateful.

We did not have the privilege to die for the nation's freedom. But we have the opportunity to live for the nation & serve our people: PM

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) April 17, 2017

PM Modi begins speaking at the inauguration of phase I of SAUNI project in Botad

PM Shri @narendramodi speaking at a program in Botad, Gujarat. LIVE at https://t.co/Sfv9Z49LED pic.twitter.com/AWaewSy1UZ

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) April 17, 2017

PM to inaugurate Link-II pipeline canal

PM Narendra Modi will be inaugurating phase-I of the Link-II pipeline canal of the ambitious (SAUNI) Yojna in Botad. The Link-II will release water from the Narmada into 9 dams.

Watch: PM Narendra Modi breaks security protocol, stops entourage to meet a 4-year old girl on his way

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi breaks security protocol to meet a 4-year old girl on his way to inaugurate Kiran Multispeciality Hospital in Surat. pic.twitter.com/vtLuleRMYV

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2017

PM praises BHIM app, Ujjwala yojna says our government will never allow poor to be looted

Our Government will never allow the poor and the middle class to be looted: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Hp2EOMyZ52

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 17, 2017

This is not a Congress govt but Modi's govt. Here you've to work for public: PM Modi at an event to inaugurate govt projects in Silvassa pic.twitter.com/FlsDc2z76K

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2017

PM Modi urges people to use BHIM app to claim benefit of various government schemes like gas subsidy

Every Indian must have access to housing facilities: PM Modi

This nation belongs to each and every Indian. There is no question of discrimination against anyone: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi addersses people in Silvassa, Gujarat

Highlighting the BJP government’s work in the Centtre, Modi said, “When we assumed office, I sought details on impact of development schemes in Dadra & Nagar Haveli & we worked on areas needing attention”

PM Modi inaugurates several government projects in Silvassa, Gujarat

In Pictures: PM Modi inaugurating the Sumul dairy and ice cream plant

Glimpses from the of inauguration of SUMUL Cattle Feed Plant in Tapi .#NewGujarat4NewIndia pic.twitter.com/8KYBY6Nzz7

— BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) April 17, 2017

PM Modi’s Gujarat visit strategically planned to reach out to BJP’s disgruntled vote base

The PM’s power packed agenda for the day was strategically devised to take within the BJP’s fold the disillusioned voters from the patidar community, tribals of the sothern Gujarat and water starved farmers from the Saurashtra region.

he started the day with inaugurating a hospital built by the Patidar community, then he went on to inaugurate a dairy processing plant in a tribal area and he is scheduled to unveil a irrigation facility to pump Narmada water in over 100 dams of the parched Saurashtra region, according to NDTV .

The time was ripe as many developmental projects laid out in this areas during Modi’s chief ministerial stint were ready to reap. The prime minister’s presence could only further drive home the developmental agenda BJP hopes to encash in the upcoming polls

This is PM Modi’s eighth visit to the state in past 9 months

Here, in SUMUL we see the positive results that can be achieved when Sahkar and Sarkar work together: PM @narendramodi #NewGujarat4NewIndia

— BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) April 17, 2017

PM Modi inaugurates Sumul Dairy plant at Nava Pardi

The prime minister inaugurated a 25000 litres capacity dairy processing plant that is envisioned to improve cattle rearing prospects for the tribal population in the area.

PM Modi to inaugurate dairy and cattle feed plant in Bajipura

The Prime Minister is headed to Bajipura village in Tapi district to inaugurate a cattle feed plant and ice-cream plant of Sumul Dairy. He will also lay foundation stone for dairy products plant at Nava Pardi.

In gems and jewellery sector, aim at ‘designing in India’ and not just ‘making in India’: Modi

Surat has made a mark in the diamond industry but can we now look at the entire gems and jewellery sector: PM https://t.co/yjt7McEF1s pic.twitter.com/XViY0VfFEw

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) April 17, 2017

Modi urges diamond traders to excel in field of gems and jewels as well

Addressing a gathering of diamond merchants at Icchapur, Modi said that Indian diamonds are popular across the world. But the traders in India should now aspire to excel in the gems and jeweler market as well.

Modi inaugurates diamond polishing unit in Hira Bourse SEZ at Icchapur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates a Diamond manufacturing unit in Surat #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/N5uwh4fUXY

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2017

Watch PM Modi speaking at the inauguration of diamond polishing unit

India can’t be run without people’s support: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged all citizens to serve the nation with their hard work and said that India cannot be run by the government without the support of its people.

“Our nation was neither built, nor can it be run by governments, kings and politicians, but only by the service and hard work of its people,” Modi said while addressing a public meeting here in Gujarat.

The Prime Minister also said that India always had a culture of service which started fading away after Independence.

IANS

Modi to inaugurate diamond polishing unit in Icchapur shortly

After leaving the venue of the multi speciality hospital in Surat, the prime minister would then head to Hira Bourse SEZ at Icchapur in the district to inaugurate a diamond polishing unit of Hari Krishna Export Private Limited.

I had said that I will also inaugurate projects, of which I lay the foundation stones: Modi

Recalling one of his earlier statements, wherein he had said that he will also inaugurate the project he was laying the foundation of, Modi said that people thought he was arrogant. He said that this was not the case but he merely likes to see whatever job he takes up is finished to the end.

I upset someone or the other everyday with my style of work: Modi

Many pharma firms are unhappy with my decision of cheaper stents, medicines: PM Modi in Surat,Gujarat pic.twitter.com/FwpFg34ZDu

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2017

After Vajpayee, we brought a healthcare policy in India after 15 years: PM Modi

Addressing a gathering in Surat after inaugurating a philanthropic multi speciality hospital, Modi said that his government values the importance of a healthy society, which is why they are tirelessly working towards it. Modi said that it was his government that has brought in a healthcare policy after a gap of 15 years.

This hospital built on hardwork, family values: PM Modi

“I value hardwork over money… And it doesn’t matter whether this project cost Rs 500 crore or 5000 crore, it was built through the hardwork of the people here and it inculcates family values. I wish that no one should need it’s services, but in case you do, I will pray that no one has to come here again,” Modi said.

Modi recounts healthcare measures taken by Centre

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a hospital in Surat, Modi said, “We have fixed the prices for around 700 medicines to ensure affordability for poor.” He said that the government will ensure that the doctors prescribes only generic medicines so that monopoly of big medicine outlets can be broken.

Swachh Bharat a part of preventive healthcare initiatives: PM Modi

While the health surveys across world have reinstated the importance of hygiene, no one has paid much attention to preventive healthcare measures in India. He said that his government’s Swachh Bharat mission is a part of promoting preventive healthcare habits.

He said he was proud that his Surat has adopted the habit of cleanliness in such a way that they can be an example to other cities.

Modi thanks people of Surat, says your love for me has remained the same

Modi, speaking of his connect with the city, said that people in other areas have probably changed the way they behave with him after he became the prime minister, He, however, said that Surat has always treated him like a family and he loves coming back to the place because it feels like home to him.

PM lauds diamond merchants for building hospital, says these are traits of givers

Lauding the diamond merchants of Surat for undertaking the 500 crore project for people’s welfare, Modi said that he was not surprised by what they did. He said that these people have known poverty and the pain of paucity. Therefore they won’t sleep at night until they are satisfied that they have done as much as they could for the society.

Was confused whether I should speak in Hindi or Gujarat: Modi

The prime minister, addressing a gathering after inaugurating a multi-speciality hospital in his home state said that he was unsure whether he should address his people in his mother tongue or Hindi. However, he said that he then chose to speak in Hindi because he felt that they have done a big thing and the entire should know about it.

Multi speciality hospital a source of pride for entire Gujarat: Gujarat CM Vijaya Rupani

Lauding the 500 Crore project, the Gujarat chief minister said that the whole state was set up by a chamber of diamond merchants in the state. He said that the BJP government will take healthcare services to each and every village and fulfil the prime minister’s dream of a healthy and prosperous Gujarat.

PM to go to Icchapur area to inaugurate a diamond polishing unit of Hari Krishna Export Private Limited

BJP on mission mode for 2019, sets new targets

Keeping its thrust on development agenda, the BJP has embarked on a mission to retain power in 2019, fine-tuning its strategy to woo the poor and a section of Muslims to expand its base. The Prime Minister’s Gujarat visit, although is officially to inaugurate a range of projects, it is seen against the backdrop of the assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year.

BJP has never lost a election in the state since 2001 but many percieve that the long-standing unadressed Patel agitation over caste based reservations could dampen the saffron party’s winning streak.

PM to have a tight schedule today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power packed visit will not only see the PM inaugurate a battery of developmental projects, but the former Gujarat chief minister is also set to reach out to the voters ahead of the state assembly polls. 

The BJP has not lost one election since Modi rode to power in the state in 2001 and he seeks to maintain the winning streak.

Watch LIVE telaecast of PM Modi inaugurating Super Speciality Hospital in Surat

PM Modi inaugurates multi specialty hospital in Surat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Kiran Multispeciality Hospital in Surat, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/8AZ8u4rW7H

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2017

Narendra Modi in Surat

Narendra Modi to meet BJP leaders post dinner | CNN-News18

Narendra Modi’s roadshow concludes in Surat | ANI

Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow concludes as he reaches Circuit House in Surat pic.twitter.com/LnPYf63VhG

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2017

Narendra Modi arrives at Circuit House | CNN-News18

Few snapshots from Modi’s visit in Surat

Massive gathering at PM Shri @narendramodi's in Surat, Gujarat. Watch at https://t.co/n245cNvhwo #GujaratWelcomesPMModi pic.twitter.com/kgue6TdbgX

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2017

People welcoming PM Shri @narendramodi by lighting their mobile phone in Surat. #GujaratWelcomesPMModi pic.twitter.com/d0iYfLgr6G

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2017

Narendra Modi greets people during his road show in Surat

PM Shri @narendramodi greets people during his road show in Surat, Gujarat. LIVE at https://t.co/n245cNvhwo #GujaratWelcomesPMModi pic.twitter.com/FXuuVwtB8d

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2017

Modi’s roadshow arrives at Parle Point | CNN-News18

Narendra Modi will meet BJP leaders in Circuit House | CNN-News18

After the 11-kilometre roadshow from Surat airport to Circuit House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party. The roadshow has been delayed by nearly half an hour.

Surat is lit like Diwali to welcome Narendra Modi: Bharat Pandya

“This is a historical roadshow. The entire road has been lit. It’s like Diwali. We have made a banner of sari, which highlights all the campaigns of the Modi government,” BJP leader Bharat Pandya told News18, 

Pandya, however, rejected the allegations made by Congress’ Shankersinh Vaghela, where he stated that the BJP government has locked up members of the Patidar community ahead of Modi’s visit. He, however, said that some people were restrained for safety reasons.

Gujarat govt locked up nearly 2,000 people ahead of Modi’s visit: Shankersinh Vaghela

Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela alleged on Sunday that the BJP-led Gujarat government has locked up nearly 2,000 pepole who were likely to protest Modi’s visit in Surat. Vaghela said while speaking with News18 India on Sunday.

Modi’s popularity raises questions on Congress’ future

With the growing rise in popularity of Narendra Modi, questions are once again being raised about Congress’ leadership. Without a strong face to match-up with the popularity of Modi, it will be seen how Congress will perform in Gujarat elections.

Narendra Modi fans dress-up for occasion | ANI

After Odisha, Narendra Modi set to reach out to Surat

The Gujarat visit comes close on the heels of the prime minister’s trip to Odisha. Although the visit was organised to participate in the party’s national executive meet, the trip was doubled up as a chance to reach out to the people of Odisha, after the state gave the party a surprise win in recently conducted Panchayat polls.

Mobile flashlights lighten up Modi’s Surat roadshow

People switch on their mobile flashlights as Prime Minister Narendra Modi proceeds with his roadshow in Surat, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/nppQfKPVzQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2017

Crowd chants ‘Modi, Modi’ in Surat

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Bikers rally escorting Narendra Modi to the Circuit house | ANI

According to India Today, nearly 40,000 bikers are taking part in the Surat roadshow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be traveling nearly 11-kilometres between the Surat airport to Circuit House. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's road show continues in Surat, Gujarat; a bikers rally escorting him to the circuit house. pic.twitter.com/NZU5i2mNcj

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2017

VIDEO: Modi’s roadshow in Surat

A sand art dedicated to Swachh Bharat campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Surat, Gujarat: A sand art for Swachh Bharat at Parle Point. pic.twitter.com/7IWefxR60s

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2017

Modi had arrived in Surat at 6.50 pm

Chief Minister @vijayrupanibjp, Deputy Chief Minister @Nitinbhai_Patel and other dignitaries welcomed PM @narendramodi to Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/4byk1V5Dhc

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 16, 2017

Over 10,000 bikers to join Modi’s roadshow in Surat

There are over 10,000 bikers said to be taking part in the roadshow alongside Narendra Modi, News18.com said.

30 ft statue to welcome Modi in Surat | NDTV

There are total 600 cutouts of Narendra Modi and five gates have been put up for the road show, NDTV said. The 11-kilometre roadshow will also have a 30 feet statue of the prime minister, the news channel added.

Surat being a Patidar stronghold crucial for Gujarat elections

Modi’s Gujarat visit is crucial to the fortunes of the saffron party ahead of the assembly elections due later this year. The visit is especially important in the backdrop of the two-year-long Patidar agitation for reservations in education and jobs, which many believe may have dampened the BJP’s prospects to win 150 seats in the Assembly — a target set by party chief Amit Shah.

Modi’s roadshow in Surat

Live - PM Shri @narendramodi's road show in Surat, Gujarat. https://t.co/Qohb5pxUIX

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2017

Modi’s greets people at the roadshow

Modi’s roadshow begins in Surat | ANI

#WATCH Live via ANI Facebook: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Surat (Gujarat) https://t.co/0N8gs5aHKV pic.twitter.com/LrLawhBmul

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2017

Narendra Modi arrives in Surat, to take part in roadshow | CNN-News18

Prime Minister @narendramodi arrives in Surat, Gujarat for a roadshow in the city | ANI pic.twitter.com/1Wxxo01eNh

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 16, 2017

Modi"s latest photo-op at Lingaraj temple

The prime minister reached the Lingaraj temple sharp at 9 am on Sunday to offer his prayers and participate in a special Puja Arati. He offered flowers, bel leaves, milk, coconut water and water to the deity.

The Prime Minister spent around 25 minutes in the temple premises. Modi also visited the temple of Goddess Bhubaneswari and Parbati, said Manoranjan Panigrahy, CEO of the Lingaraj Temple Administration.

Odisha BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan praises Modi

Claiming that Modi’s popularity has increased manifold across the country and abroad, the Union Minister said the people of Odisha have accepted the Prime Minister’s plans and programmes. This is evident from the results of the recently concluded Zilla Parishad elections. The party bagged 297 ZP seats in 2017 from just 36 seats in the previous rural polls held in 2012, Pradhan pointed out.

PTI

Modi to inaugurate various projects tomorrow

Later this evening, I will begin my visit to Gujarat as well as Dadra & Nagar Haveli, where I will take part in various programmes tomorrow.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2017

Will Odisha to be a lab for Modi’s pro-poor policies?

The BJP on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to make Odisha the laboratory of welfare schemes for the poor.The BJP-led NDA government has already allocated Rs 5,200 crore for railway development in Odisha during the last three years, while the amount was dismal during the Congress-led UPA government. During the UPA’s tenure, maximum allocation was Rs 1,000 crore in one rail budget, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

PTI

Mission 150 for Gujarat BJP

Setting a target of 150 Assembly seats for the Gujarat unit of BJP, party president Amit Shah may have set the pitch for the forthcoming Assembly elections. But how the BJP will achieve this target amidst conditions that are not too favourable for them remains to be seen.

Read more here.

Modi roadshow rattles Naveen Pattnaik?

While the magnitude of his roadshow in Bhuneshwar is not comparable to what was seen in Varanasi but then the two situations and two cities are different. What must have been very heartening for Modi and BJP is the fact that not just thousands of people cheered for him in the scorching afternoon heat on both sides of the road but several of them were also seen running behind Modi’s motorcade to get a better glimpse of the leader.

Read more here.

Modi to be in Gujarat on Sunday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting his home state of Gujarat as part of a two-day tour. This will be his eight visit to the state in the last nine months. The visit is significant as the state goes to vote in November.