Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night addressed a large crowd at an 'Abhivadan' programme in Jamnagar, Gujarat, projecting the state as a model of industrial transformation and political continuity, while also invoking themes of national unity, cultural heritage, and the political situation in West Bengal. The event forms part of his ongoing Gujarat visit ahead of a scheduled trip to Somnath on Monday.

BJP's Electoral Dominance in Gujarat

Modi opened his address by asking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters whether their post-election fatigue had faded, remarking that a grand victory leaves no room for tiredness. He was referring to the BJP's sweeping performance in recent Gujarat local body elections, where the party secured more than 700 seats unopposed across local self-government institutions — a result he described as "historic".

"The latest local body results had surpassed previous electoral records set during Assembly elections and I credit BJP workers for sustaining the party's dominance in Gujarat across three to four generations of voters," Modi said. He attributed the sustained mandate to the party's development record over the past 20–25 years.

From Salt to Semiconductors: Gujarat's Industrial Journey

Highlighting the state's industrial transformation, Modi drew a sharp contrast between Gujarat's past and present economic profile. "There was a time when we did nothing, or rather, could do nothing except produce salt. Today, that same Gujarat is manufacturing semiconductor chips. Gujarat is building metro coaches today. Gujarat is producing modern railway engines. Gujarat is now preparing to manufacture aircraft," he said.

He added that these achievements were a testament to what Gujaratis could accomplish when given opportunity and infrastructure. "These glorious stories have been written over the last 20–25 years. This is a testament to how the hard work of Gujaratis can reach incredible heights when given the opportunity," he said. The remarks position Gujarat's diversified industrial base — spanning semiconductors, rail, and aerospace — as a national template.

Green Energy and Climate Leadership

Modi also pointed to Gujarat's environmental record, asserting that the state was the first in India to establish a Climate Change Department and among the first governments globally to create a dedicated ministry on the subject. He said Gujarat had emerged as a major contributor in solar and renewable energy production, taking a leading role in India's green energy expansion.

West Bengal and BJP Workers' Sacrifices

Turning to the political situation in West Bengal, Modi said developments there resonated deeply across the country. "If Bengal experiences pain, the ache is felt by the people of Gujarat," he said. He claimed that more than 300 BJP workers had sacrificed their lives due to political violence in the state, and asserted that the BJP was committed to restoring development in Bengal. He also criticised opposition parties for what he described as a "lack of vision" for younger generations.

Somnath Anniversary and Historical Tributes

Ahead of his visit to Somnath, Modi spoke about the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Somnath Temple's 'pran pratishtha' ceremony. He paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for leading efforts to rebuild the shrine after Independence, and remembered India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, for attending the original consecration despite political opposition at the time. He also noted that 10 May marked the anniversary of the 1857 uprising, which he described as India's First War of Independence.

Before the address, Modi received a traditional welcome in Jamnagar — locally referred to as "Chhoti Kashi" — with BJP leaders including district in-charge minister Arjun Modhwadia, Jamnagar North MLA Rivaba Jadeja, and MP Poonam Madam presenting him with traditional Halari turbans, Bandhani scarves, and religious mementoes. Thousands lined the roads to the venue, chanting patriotic slogans as the Prime Minister arrived. The BJP's next challenge will be translating this local body momentum into Assembly and national election outcomes in the years ahead.