Bhuj, April 16 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday said Kutch district had emerged as a thriving region after the 2001 earthquake, attributing the transformation to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sustained efforts of local residents, while addressing campaign meetings ahead of the local self-government elections.​

Speaking at ‘Vikas Sankalp Sabha’ events organised in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, Patel said, “After the 2001 earthquake, when rebuilding Kutch seemed difficult, today Kutch has become vibrant due to the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless hard work of the people of Kutch.”​

He added that the district’s development journey was continuing without interruption.​

Emphasising governance and leadership, Patel said, “Prime Minister Modi always does what he says, and that is why public trust in him is increasing day by day.”​

He further remarked that the Prime Minister “never thinks small”, adding that this approach had enabled the expansion of infrastructure, including the supply of Narmada water to households across Kutch.​

Referring to the region’s tourism growth, he said, “The shining of the White Rann and Dhordo on the global tourism map.”​

He also described the hosting of an international event such as the G20 in the region as “a matter of pride”.​

Highlighting welfare and education initiatives, Patel provided information on schemes such as ‘Namo Lakshmi’ and ‘Namo Saraswati’, and said Gujarat’s development had continued despite the COVID-19 pandemic.​

“Even during a global pandemic like COVID, Gujarat’s development did not stop and will never stop in the future,” he said.​

He added that the Ayushman Card scheme was providing free medical treatment to poor and middle-income groups.​

On economic growth, Patel said the number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had increased from 1.83 lakh in 2001 to more than 27 lakh, attributing the rise to initiatives such as Vibrant Gujarat.​

He also referred to the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, stating that efforts towards environmental protection and water conservation had shown positive results, and that small individual actions could bring about significant change in cleanliness.​

Criticising opposition parties, he said, “Merely raising false slogans achieves nothing; proper planning and execution are necessary,” adding that this approach had been demonstrated by the BJP.​

Patel urged voters to support BJP candidates in the April 26 elections, stating, “Every vote given to BJP will strengthen the resolve of a developed India.”​

–IANS

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