Modi lauds 7.7% GDP surge, vows relentless reforms

Speaking at a gathering in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could hardly hide his enthusiasm as he pointed to the staggering 7.7% rise in Gujarat’s Gross State Domestic Product. "Reform, perform, transform – that’s the mantra we’ll keep living by," he said, his voice echoing through the packed hall.

It wasn’t just a statistical celebration. For Modi, the numbers symbolised years of policy nudges – from easing business licences to encouraging entrepreneurship – that have finally begun to show visible results. He paused, glanced at the audience, and added, "We’re not done yet. The journey is far from over."

The 7.7% figure, released by the state’s statistical department, marks the highest growth rate Gujarat has recorded in over a decade. Economists attribute the surge to a mix of robust manufacturing output, a revival in services, and a noticeable uptick in foreign investment. Yet, Modi insisted the real credit goes to people on the ground: farmers who adopted new techniques, small‑scale traders who embraced digital payments, and a new generation of innovators.

“When you talk about reforms, it’s not just about big policies on paper,” the Prime Minister remarked, leaning into a casual tone. “It’s about a farmer in Kheda using a drip‑irrigation system, or a startup in Vadodara securing its first round of funding. Those stories add up to a bigger picture.”

He also referenced the “perform” part of his mantra, reminding listeners that good policies need diligent execution. "A policy without implementation is like a map without a road," he said, chuckling lightly, which earned a few nods and smiles from the crowd.

Turning to “transform,” Modi painted a vision of Gujarat evolving into a hub of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and world‑class education. He highlighted upcoming projects – a solar park near Rajkot, a new logistics corridor linking ports to inland factories, and a university of technology slated to open next year.

Critics, however, have cautioned that the growth spike may be uneven. Rural pockets still wrestle with water scarcity, and some industrial workers voice concerns over job security amid automation. Modi acknowledged these challenges, pledging that the government would “listen, learn, and act” to ensure inclusive development.

As the event wrapped up, the Prime Minister’s final note was both hopeful and grounded. "We have set the stage, but the performance is ongoing. Let’s keep the momentum, keep the reforms alive, and keep transforming lives," he concluded, leaving the audience with a mix of pride and determination.