Gujarat : PM Modi Launches Sharp Attack on Congress in Surat, Pushes Green Growth Vision

Surat | Gujarat — On a politically charged World Environment Day in Surat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful critique of the Congress party while simultaneously unveiling a massive ₹18,778 crore development push for South Gujarat, blending political messaging with an aggressive development agenda.

Arriving in the diamond city, the Prime Minister first visited the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) facility in Hazira, where he reviewed advanced defence manufacturing systems and green energy projects under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The visit underscored India’s growing focus on self-reliance in critical sectors, particularly defence and clean energy technologies.

Later, addressing a packed indoor stadium in Surat, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 24 major development projects across seven districts—Surat, Navsari, Bharuch, Valsad, Tapi, Dang and Narmada—covering eight government departments. The projects include ₹13,926 crore worth of inaugurated works and ₹4,852 crore worth of new foundations.

However, it was his political remarks that dominated headlines.

Taking a sharp dig at the Congress, PM Modi said, “People of India do not like anarchy, uncertainty and disappointment. Congress is spreading instability, but the people are giving them a befitting reply.” He added that repeated electoral defeats of the opposition reflected public dissatisfaction across states.

Referencing recent political developments, he remarked, “In Karnataka, there is so much anger that the Congress was forced to change its Chief Minister,” drawing loud reactions from the audience.

PM Modi also invoked his long political journey, stating, “I entered politics in 1987, and since the local elections in Ahmedabad and Surat, my winning journey has continued till today,” linking his political rise to Gujarat’s development narrative.

Amid the political attack, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s environmental and industrial transition. Highlighting Gujarat’s leadership in clean energy, he said Hazira Industrial Area would soon become a hub for green steel production, aligning industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

“India is developing with the mantra of progress with nature,” he said, pointing to Gujarat’s early adoption of climate governance, including the establishment of a dedicated climate change department and India’s first solar plant in Charanka, Patan.

PM Modi also praised citizen participation in sustainability efforts, referencing a 2,000-participant cycle yatra organised in Surat to promote fuel conservation. The event saw participation from diamond traders, police personnel, municipal officials and administrative staff, symbolising a city-wide commitment to environmental awareness.

“Those who mock Aatmanirbhar Bharat forget that dependence on others weakens a nation,” the Prime Minister added, taking another swipe at critics of his self-reliance agenda.

The visit combined political messaging, large-scale infrastructure announcements and environmental symbolism, reinforcing the government’s dual focus on economic expansion and green transition.