Tharad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Congress party of attempting to create fear among citizens over the ongoing West Asia conflict for political advantage, likening its approach to “vultures of politics.” He asserted that the Union government has handled the situation effectively despite global uncertainties.

Speaking at a public gathering in Nani village of the newly formed Vav Tharad district, Modi alleged that opposition leaders were circulating rumours to provoke panic, including encouraging people to rush to fuel stations. He said such actions could disrupt public order at a time when unity and restraint are essential.

According to the Prime Minister, while the country requires collective resolve, the opposition is engaging in divisive tactics and spreading misinformation. He criticised what he described as attempts to exploit a sensitive global situation for domestic political gains.

Referring to the broader international scenario, Modi pointed out that several nations are facing instability due to ongoing conflicts. He said the crisis in West Asia, involving tensions among major powers, has impacted global energy supplies, including petrol, diesel, and gas. Despite these challenges, he maintained that India has managed to maintain stability through a combination of policy measures and public cooperation.

He added that although fuel prices have risen significantly in many parts of the world, India has shielded its citizens from the most severe consequences. In contrast, he alleged, the Congress party is trying to create an atmosphere of anxiety by spreading unverified information.

Modi reiterated that India possesses the capacity to deal with crises and stressed that attempts to incite panic could lead to unnecessary disruptions. He described such actions as irresponsible, particularly during a time of global uncertainty.

The Prime Minister also said that India is steadily moving towards becoming a global leader in renewable energy, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen energy security.

Turning to infrastructure, Modi criticised previous Congress-led governments for delays in the development of the Deesa airbase, calling it a project of strategic importance. He noted that the airbase, located close to the international border, plays a crucial role in national security.

He said the project had been conceptualised during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister and that local farmers had cooperated by providing land. However, it remained stalled for years due to bureaucratic delays, he added, claiming that it progressed only after the current government assumed office at the Centre.

Highlighting its present status, Modi said the Deesa facility has now been developed into a significant Air Force base that will not only strengthen defence preparedness but also contribute to regional development.

This visit marked his first trip to the area since Vav Tharad was carved out as a separate district from Banaskantha in October 2025.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth nearly ₹19,807 crore. These included initiatives undertaken by both the central and Gujarat state governments.

Key projects included those linked to the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Kutch, aimed at boosting clean energy integration into the national grid. In the road sector, new infrastructure works such as bypasses and highway stretches were launched, while several packages of the Ahmedabad-Dholera corridor were also inaugurated.

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In addition, railway projects valued at ₹891 crore were introduced, including the Himmatnagar-Khedbrahma broad gauge line and expansion works in parts of Kutch and Saurashtra. The Prime Minister also flagged off a new train service connecting Khedbrahma, Himmatnagar, and Asarva, aimed at improving regional connectivity.