Energy self-reliance: Modi in Surat launches INR 18,000 crore Gujarat projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said public anger made the Congress change its Chief Minister in Karnataka. Narendra Modi also accused the party of creating disorder and doubt for 12 years. Narendra Modi spoke in Surat after launching projects worth Rs 18,000 crore in Gujarat. Narendra Modi linked the remarks to wider debates on energy, growth, and political stability.

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Narendra Modi said the world faced a hard decade, with the COVID-9 pandemic and wars. Narendra Modi also mentioned an energy crunch after the West Asia conflict. Narendra Modi said India met each test with strength and resilience. Narendra Modi credited the combined effort of 140 crore citizens for handling these pressures.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and energy self-reliance

Narendra Modi said the global strain showed why energy self-reliance mattered. Narendra Modi said India’s capacity built over 12 years helped during current disruptions. Narendra Modi criticised Opposition leaders for mocking the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Narendra Modi said India secured fuel supplies from many regions and increased clean energy spending.

Narendra Modi said India’s solar generation rose to 250 GW from a negligible base. Narendra Modi said ethanol blending capacity increased and Railway electrification moved faster. Narendra Modi said nuclear energy work progressed and power grids were upgraded. Narendra Modi added that gas pipelines expanded, and ports were upgraded for petroleum transport and storage.

BJP mandate and Congress amid chaos

Narendra Modi said voters backed the Bharatiya Janata Party due to trust in development work. Narendra Modi said this was seen in the mandate for the BJP-led NDA. Narendra Modi listed elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry. Narendra Modi also referred to panchayat and municipal corporation polls across India.

"Every election conveys the same message: the nation does not like anarchy, uncertainty, or despair. For the past 12 years, the Congress has been seeking opportunities amidst the chaos and uncertainty it has spread, yet the people of the country have repeatedly given it a fitting reply,\" he added.

Narendra Modi said Gujarat’s voters had pushed Congress to the margins. Narendra Modi said even where Congress ruled, people were unhappy with its governance. Narendra Modi cited local body poll results in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. Narendra Modi said these outcomes signalled that politics built on chaos would fail.

\"People are unhappy wherever the Congress party is in power. There is also immense public anger regarding the Congress government in Karnataka; that is precisely why the party had to replace its Chief Minister there,\" he said, referring to DK Shivakumar taking over as the CM replacing Siddharamaiah in the southern state on June 3.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and green growth focus

Narendra Modi said India was moving past negativity and aiming higher. Narendra Modi said the government was speeding up connectivity to support Atmanirbhar Bharat. Narendra Modi cited the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway and the Dedicated Freight Corridor. Narendra Modi also mentioned the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train corridor.

Narendra Modi said many countries were shifting slowly towards a greener future. Narendra Modi made the remarks on Environment Day. Narendra Modi said India was pursuing green growth, and Gujarat acted early. Narendra Modi said Surat showed \"progress alongside nature\" through its circular water economy for industries.

Narendra Modi said Gujarat’s long-built strength in refining and renewable power helped India. Narendra Modi said India’s renewable capacity was 250 GW. Narendra Modi said Gujarat alone contributed 50 GW. Narendra Modi presented this as support for national energy security during global uncertainty.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and Surat industrial visit

Earlier, Narendra Modi visited Larsen & Toubro’s Hazira facility in Surat district. Narendra Modi reviewed industrial activity and key infrastructure work. Narendra Modi toured the AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex with company officials. Narendra Modi was briefed on Zorawar tanks and other defence equipment produced there.

Narendra Modi noted that DRDO and L&T Defence developed an air-transportable 25-tonne tank. Narendra Modi said it was designed for rapid deployment, mainly along the frontier with China. Narendra Modi linked the day’s visits and launches to capacity building. Narendra Modi said stronger energy and industry bases supported India’s wider goals.

With inputs from PTI