‘Will Narendra Modi be able to replicate Gujarat’s development model across the entire nation?’ asked 21-year-old Shyam Kewalramani, hearing Modi speak for the first time at his college premises on Thursday evening.
He echoed the sentiments of many youngsters who had gathered at the Rama Watumull Hall of K.C. College to catch a glimpse of the much-hyped Modi magic.
As the man made his way to the stage clad in white, the packed auditorium broke out in welcome cheer. Comprising young and old alike, the crowd had converged at the venue much ahead of time. Those unsuccessful at managing an entry had to be content with seeing Modi on a screen displayed outside.
In a 75-minute long speech, Modi’s witticisms and anecdotes left the audience in splits. Describing a true-blue Gujarati, Modi said: “We are pukka Ahmedabadi. We believe in single fare, double journey,” in a reference to the economic viability of development projects in Gujarat.
Describing the strength of the nation, he said, “We are the most youthful nation, with 65 per cent of our population below the age of 35. This is a great strength we have against China.” Stating that India should showcase only its strength to the world, he added.
“China only showcases Shanghai, not the entire country. India should show its special strength to the world,” said Modi.
Referring to China again, Modi said he aims to start a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad just as China has done.
When someone from the crowd told Modi, “Hamey pradhanmantri dekhna hai (We want to see [you as] the prime minister)”, Modi circumvented the question and said: “Dilli chale jao, dikh jayenge. Woh (Prime Minister) sunai de ya na de, lekin dikhai toh denge hi,” (Go to Delhi to see him. Whether one can hear him or not, one can certainly see him) he said to a thunderous round of applause and loud cheers from the audience.
Many students who had heard him speak said they were thrilled to have seen him. For 20-year-old Amit Moondra, Modi signified an idea and a distinct leadership style, rather than a political party. “I wish to apply Modi’s style of leadership and his vision, of achieving goals in a time-bound manner, to my life and career. I believe in Modi as an individual, not as part of the BJP or any political party,” he said.
The audience, which predominantly comprised the local Gujarati community, reached out to Modi, expressing dissatisfaction with local issues relating to the imposition of Local Body Tax and sought his intervention.
After giving them a patient hearing from the dais and expressing his solidarity, Modi quipped, “Par aaj toh mujhe Ahmedabad vapas jaana hain.” (But, I have to go back to Ahmedabad today), indicating his helplessness, on a lighter note.