Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first of four Gujarat rallies today in the crucial town of Morbi. As he landed in his helicopter, the crowd chanted his name. Located in the heart of Saurashtra, Morbi, a hub of ceramic-tile makers, is seen as an influencer for the surrounding areas which have a strong affiliation to the BJP. But this is also one of the epicentres of the big agitation led by Hardik Patel against the ruling party and today, the 24-year-old held his own public meeting in Morbi.
“In good times and bad, we have stood with Morbi,” the PM said, “The same cannot be said of the Congress.” He said Morbi is typical of the famous Gujarat model that he is credited with developing during his 13 years as Chief Minister. “The main issue in Kutch and Saurashtra when we came to power was water shortage,” he said. “For the Congress, ‘development’ was giving hand pumps. For BJP, it is large irrigation schemes and large pipelines that carry Narmada water.” Continuing his claim that the opposition Congress is anti-Gujarat, the PM said, “When Indira-ben came to Morbi, she held a handkerchief to her nose against a foul smell.”
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