PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday delivered a strong political message during his ‘NaMo for Viksit Bharat’ programme in Vadodara, where he highlighted India’s development journey and took a fresh swipe at Congress with his ‘naraz fufa’ reference. The event also witnessed an enthusiastic public response, with organisers reporting that all available seats were booked within an hour of online ticket sales opening.
PM Modi Says Development Journey Must Accelerate
Addressing the gathering, Modi said his visit to Vadodara was aimed at giving further momentum to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
“I have come among you to further accelerate the journey towards a developed India,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the central theme of the programme.
His remarks came as Vadodara hosted a major development-focused event featuring the inauguration, dedication and foundation-laying of several projects. The initiatives together represent an investment of more than ₹35,000 crore, covering railways, freight connectivity, highways, housing, water supply and renewable energy.
‘Naraz Fufa’ Remark Targets Congress
Modi also revived his ‘naraz fufa’ jibe while taking a political dig at the Congress. Referring to people who remain dissatisfied despite the country’s development, he said that “some can never be happy with India’s vikas.”
The remark added a political edge to an otherwise development-centric address. Modi used the occasion to contrast the large-scale infrastructure work taking place across the country with those who, according to him, remain unwilling to acknowledge India’s progress.
The ‘naraz fufa’ expression has previously been used by Modi in political remarks to describe critics who appear perpetually unhappy with the government’s achievements.
Vadodara Gives Modi an Enthusiastic Welcome
The Prime Minister’s arrival was accompanied by a high-energy atmosphere at the NaMo for Viksit Bharat programme.
According to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the event received an overwhelming response from residents. Online ticketing was introduced for the programme, and organisers said all available seats were booked within 60 minutes.
The demand was reportedly around three times the venue’s available capacity. Special fan zones were therefore arranged to allow additional people to participate in the programme even after the main venue reached capacity.
The event also featured music and cultural performances. One of the notable moments came with a rendition of Queen’s iconic ‘We Will Rock You’, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as the crowd welcomed Modi.
‘Viksit Bharat Padayatra’ Builds Momentum
Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, Vadodara witnessed a ‘Viksit Bharat Padayatra’ led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
The march began from the Faculty of Technology in Dandia Bazaar and moved through the city before concluding at Sursagar Lake. A cultural programme was subsequently organised at the lake, featuring singer Kailash Kher.
The campaign also highlighted civic participation. ‘Swachhata Doots’, who had contributed to cleanliness efforts in Vadodara, were felicitated during the programme.
Modi later praised the citizens of Vadodara for organising a cleanliness campaign across the city ahead of his visit. He described the initiative as an expression of public participation and service and congratulated residents for their efforts.
₹35,000 Crore Development Projects Announced
A major focus of Modi’s Vadodara visit was the rollout of infrastructure projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore.
Among the biggest highlights was the inauguration of three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The sections together span 326 route kilometres and were developed at a cost of more than ₹20,700 crore.
The newly operational sections connect New Sanand (North) with New Makarpura, New Umbergaon with New Saphale, and New Saphale with New JNPT in Mumbai.
The connectivity is expected to strengthen the movement of freight between industrial centres and ports, particularly the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, while improving logistics efficiency and helping reduce transportation costs.
Modi also flagged off freight train services on the newly connected sections and a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Pratapnagar in Vadodara.
Rail Connectivity Gets Major Push
The Prime Minister dedicated the Jobat-Tanda Road new rail line to the nation. Developed under the Chhota Udepur-Dhar railway project, the line is expected to connect remote and tribal areas of Alirajpur with the wider national railway network.
In addition, foundation stones were laid for three railway projects covering approximately 329 kilometres, with a combined cost of more than ₹9,700 crore.
The infrastructure package also included three National Highway projects estimated at around ₹1,780 crore.
Gujarat Gets Housing, Water and Solar Projects
Several state-level projects worth around ₹2,600 crore were also inaugurated or launched during the visit.
These included housing initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a water-supply project benefiting 11 villages in eastern Vadodara, Phase II of the Vadodara Urban Development Authority Ring Road and a 110 MW floating solar project at Kadana Dam.
The combination of major infrastructure announcements and a large public turnout made the Vadodara programme a significant stop in Modi’s development-focused outreach.
With the ‘Naraz Fufa’ remark adding a political punch to his address, Modi sought to reinforce his message that India’s development journey is moving ahead despite criticism, while the extensive project launches showcased the government’s focus on connectivity, infrastructure and economic growth.
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