Modi in Gujarat: Launches Irrigation Project, Talks Development

This was Modi’s first public rally in his home state Gujarat since he took office two years ago.

Narendra Modi launched the first phase of the Saurashtra Narmada Avataran for irrigation project in Jamnagar. (Photo Courtesy: Press Information Bureau)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his first public rally in home ground Gujarat since he took office two years ago. The rally was held in Jamnagar.

Modi first inaugurated the first phase of Saurashtra Narmada Avataran for Irrigation (SAUNI) project in Jamnagar, a project that focusses on diverting the floodwater from Sardar Sarovar Dam to several dams in the of the Saurasthra region.

Here’s the official video of the rally.

In his rally, Modi hailed the project as something every “Gujarati will be proud of.”

I still remember when I met lawmakers of Saurashtra and talked about SAUNI Yojana. This is an initiative that will make every Gujarati proud. All of us should take note of how this SAUNI Yojana has come through.

In his rally, Modi hailed the project as something every “Gujarati will be proud of.” (Photo Courtesy: Press Information Bureau)

He further highlighted the fact that the state’s water table has been falling and that this project is a step towards rectifying that.

“Few people did not like what I said then, they disagreed with me but I remained firm on my stand that water is of prime importance. When I took oath as CM, I would tell farmers that what is most important for you is water,” said the Prime Minister.

He also made categorical references to India’s farmers, asserting that the Centre is taking several initiatives for their welfare.

In my experience the farmer can belong to any part of India, if he gets water than he can produce gold from the earth. This is why we are running schemes like drip irrigation. These methods have helped save water. It is important to save water for future generations. It is our duty to do this.

He also raked up the issue of gender discrimination:

“We must never discriminate between sons and daughters. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and now people are adding Beti Khilao,” Modi said. 

He ended his rally by outlining the government’s approach towards Gujarat, “Indian government will never hold back on what Gujarat deserves,” he asserted.

Ahead of the inauguration of SAUNI project by the Prime Minister, more than 25 members of Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) were detained on Tuesday from different parts of Rajkot and the district to prevent any trouble at the event.

The PAAS members as well as conveners were detained by Paddhari and Gandhigram police of Rajkot while several others were detained by Dhrol taluka police of Jamnagar district.

On Monday, PAAS had threatened to stage protest against Modi during his Gujarat visit if the members of the quota body were not granted permission to hand over a memorandum of their demands to Narendra Modi at the venue.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times, ANI and PTI.)