Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation worth Rs 15 billion. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries were present at the event.

In his address, Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has achieved major milestones — from strong national security and a resilient economy to poverty reduction, improved public services, expanded rural and urban infrastructure, increased manufacturing capacity, and rising global stature. He added that India’s civilisational heritage and Sanatan Dharma now receive global recognition due to this leadership.

Calling for collective resolve to make the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad a success, he said that the “Khelo Gujarat” initiative launched when Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister laid the foundation for today’s “Khelo India”. Ahmedabad, he noted, now has world-class sports infrastructure, with facilities available within a five-kilometre radius for residents.

Shah highlighted that several neglected spaces—such as areas under bridges—have been transformed into sports complexes, libraries, yoga centres and open gyms. He added that Ahmedabad now houses the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium, and work has begun on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. After evaluating facilities across 70 countries, Ahmedabad was selected to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. In addition, the city will host the 2029 World Police and Fire Games, and is a strong contender for the 2036 Olympics.

During the event, ground-breaking ceremonies for three new sports complexes were also conducted. Shah said that out of the Rs 15 billion development package, Rs 260 million worth of works were inaugurated, Rs 300 million worth launched, and two housing project allotments were completed — a total of 58 initiatives delivered from a single platform.

He noted that Gujarat is home to India’s largest renewable energy park, Asia’s biggest greenfield city at Dholera, the starting point of the Surat–Chennai Expressway, the country’s first international financial hub GIFT City, and the first bullet train route between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. He said that the state is progressing rapidly under the combined leadership of Modi, Chief Minister Patel and Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

Shah also highlighted recent political successes, noting that the BJP-led NDA has secured continuous victories since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said that Modi’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister reflects strong public confidence, while the opposition’s decline is due to its disconnect from people’s concerns.

He asserted that similar electoral outcomes await in Bengal and Tamil Nadu, saying that the opposition alliance lacks leadership and vision. Under Modi’s leadership, he said, development is taking place across every sector, reinforcing India’s aspiration to become a global power.

Reflecting on national pride, Shah recalled the groundbreaking and consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the foundation of the temple at Sita’s birthplace. He noted that by 2026, the saffron flag will be hoisted there as well.

Marking Armed Forces Flag Day, he paid homage to India’s soldiers, honouring their sacrifices and commitment to national security.

Shah emphasised his goal of transforming Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency into India’s most developed region. He urged residents to plant between 5 and 50 trees during the monsoon to advance the ‘Green Gandhinagar’ mission. Tree plantation, he said, is essential for clean air, cooler temperatures and a healthier environment. Gandhinagar’s green cover has already risen by 13.6 per cent in five years, and he called for further progress through community participation.