Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday vowed to serve the people of India till his last breath, an assertion coming days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s “Modi ka baapbhijayega” remark that triggered a political storm.
On the first day of his two-day visit to Gujarat, the PM held a roadshow and addressed a gathering of farmers at Bhildi town in Banaskantha district.
Modi later travelled to Ekta Nagar in Narmada district, where he inaugurated ‘Bharat Parv 2026’, an exhibition showcasing traditional crafts and regional cuisines from across the country, and witnessed a grand theatrical adaptation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s historic novel ‘Anandamath’.
He travelled in an open jeep, accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his deputy Harsh Sanghavi, and held the roadshow from the helipad to the Banas Dairy plant in Bhildi. People gathered in large numbers on both sides of the road to greet him. Modi waved at the crowds, who shouted his name and raised various slogans.
“Jeevan keantimkshantakjanta ki seva main hi jutarahunga (I will continue to serve the people until my last breath),” Modi later declared at the gathering after inaugurating the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) at Bhildi town.
He accused the Opposition of rejoicing when the country faces a crisis and spreading panic over the availability of fertilisers and cooking gas amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Modi said farmers, youth and women were working towards building a developed India, but lamented that some people were uncomfortable with the country’s progress.
Without taking any names, he said, “There are those who wish to see the country in distress — they actually derive pleasure when the nation faces hardship. Whenever a crisis befalls the country, they find joy in it.”
Referring to the conflict in the Gulf region, which is critical to India’s energy security and serves as a key source of fertiliser imports, Modi said while the country was united in addressing the situation arising out of the war, some people were spreading rumours and creating panic among people.
“They sowed fear among farmers, claiming fertilisers would become unavailable. They created artificial queues and created a sense of panic,” alleged Modi.
The prime minister accused the Opposition of trying to create chaos across the country to defame him, alleging people were being led to believe that cooking gas would no longer be available due to the conflict which started in February-end.
“They also tried to frighten women, claiming that cooking gas would no longer be available and asking, ‘How will you cook your meals? How will your children go to school?’ Their plan was to incite chaos across the country, all in an attempt to defame Modi,” he told the gathering.
“I had promised that Modi would stand firmly by your side. And look — even though the conflict continues, Modi has ensured that there is no shortage of fertilisers for our farmers,” the PM emphasised.
Modi, addressing the farmers, said global fertiliser prices and the costs of chemicals required to manufacture them had surged due to the war, but the government had ensured that the additional burden did not fall on cultivators.
“Globally, a bag of urea costs as much as Rs 3,000, yet, Indian farmers receive it for less than Rs 300. The government took this entire burden on itself to ensure the bag reaches you (farmers) at just Rs 300,” he said.
Similarly, while the global price of a bag of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser had crossed Rs 5,000, Indian farmers were receiving it for Rs 1,350, he added.
Modi said farmers across the country had received or saved more than Rs 50 lakh crore through
various government schemes over the past few years, asserting that his government had prioritised their welfare and empowerment.
Highlighting the benefits of five government schemes, he said around Rs 4.5 lakh crore had been transferred directly to small farmers under PM-Kisan since its launch in early 2019.
Modi said his government had spent around Rs 16 lakh crore to shield farmers from rising fertiliser prices amid global uncertainty. He stated that wheat and paddy growers had received Rs 24 lakh crore through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism over the past 12 years.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers had received more than Rs 2 lakh crore as compensation over the last 10 to 12 years, the PM said.
The PM-KUSUM scheme had also helped reduce irrigation costs, with nearly 12 lakh solar-powered water pumps installed, enabling farmers to save on diesel expenses while contributing to electricity generation, Modi added.
At Ekta Nagar, Modi inaugurated ‘Bharat Parv 2026’ in the evening and witnessed a grand theatrical adaptation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s historic novel ‘Anandamath’.
Staged by the National School of Drama’s Repertory Company against the backdrop of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the 300-artist production formed a major centrepiece of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.
Modi walked through the exhibition, interacting with artisans and craftspersons displaying traditional handlooms, artworks, and regional delicacies from different states and Union Territories.
The events took place on the eve of the 151st birth anniversary of the country’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Organised as part of the annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas events, ‘Bharat Parv 2026’ aims to highlight India’s vast cultural diversity and promote the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, a release stated.
The event, which will continue until November 15, features folk performances, regional food stalls, and craft exhibitions displaying handmade goods, traditional artworks, and handlooms passed down through generations to boost tourism around Ekta Nagar, home to the towering Statue of Unity.
