Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government will not compromise on the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and small-scale industries,
even as India faces the threat of 50 percent US tariffs on its goods starting August 27. Addressing a large gathering in Ahmedabad after a two-kilometre roadshow and the launch of multiple projects, Modi said, "In such a scenario, I want to tell small entrepreneurs, farmers and cattle-rearers that your interest is paramount. My government will never compromise on your interests. No matter how much pressure comes, we will bear it. But your interests will never be harmed." The Prime Minister urged citizens and businesses to support swadeshi or locally made products. "Businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell only swadeshi goods," he said. Modi invoked historical and cultural symbols, including Lord Shrikrishna, whom he called "Sudarshan Chakradhari," and Mahatma Gandhi, or "Charkhadhari Mohan," to emphasise strength, protection, and self-reliance. He also referred to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, saying, "Today, we do not spare terrorists and their masters, no matter where they are hiding."
The Prime Minister criticised the Congress party for making India dependent on imports and neglecting Gandhi’s principles. "The party which enjoyed power for decades in Bapu's name crushed his soul. What did it do with Bapu's swadeshi mantra?" he said.
Modi also highlighted development initiatives in Ahmedabad, including the inauguration of 1,449 houses and 130 shops under a central scheme at Ramapir Tekra, as well as infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5,400 crore, such as widening the SP Ring Road, stormwater drainage systems, and redevelopment of the Sabarmati Ashram precinct.
He also launched projects in Mehsana district and flagged off two trains, including railway line doubling and gauge conversion works. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to inaugurate the production line for Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, near Ahmedabad.
Thousands of people lined the streets during Modi’s roadshow from Naroda to the Nikol area, greeting him enthusiastically. “I think I am fortunate to get the love and blessings of lakhs of people,” he said.
Modi reiterated his call for citizens to buy Indian-made products during upcoming festivals, saying swadeshi and Aatma-nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) are the keys to a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India).
