Gujarat Polls: Development and Modi synonymous, say locals of PM's hometown, Vadnagar

By Payal Mehta
Vadnagar (Gujarat) [India], November 18 (ANI): The town of Gujarat's Vadnagar rose to fame after its local Narendra Modi went on to become the Prime Minister of the country. It was at the very railway station in Vadnagar, where a young Narendra sold tea with his late father.
It seems for the people of Vadnagar, the name of Narendra Modi still remains the biggest factor whether it be the elections in Gujarat or when it comes to leading the country.
To gauge the mood of the people before the coming up assembly elections, ANI travelled to the Vadnagar railway station and spoke to the travellers.

The Western Railway (WR) has introduced a new daily intercity express between Valsad and Vadnagar, a long pending demand which was fulfilled early this month.
A traveller Sanjeev said, "For us, it's very convenient because the train comes and goes on time."
Valsad-Vadnagar-Valsad Intercity Express leaves Valsad daily at 05.45 am and reaches Vadnagar at 12.45 pm, on the same day. Similarly, Train No. 19010 Vadnagar- Valsad Intercity-Express departs from Vadnagar daily at 16.45 hours and reaches Valsad at 00.35 hours, the next day.

Praveen, another traveller said, "There is a need for more trains to run from here. This will save the travel cost and also make travelling a good experience."
Kailash Panchal who was travelling this route for the first time said it was a nice experience for her.
"I am travelling for the first time on this route but it is an amazing experience I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for this," she said.
Bharatbhai, another traveller said that more trains are now needed to be started.
"The Modi government has established a medical college and Hospital and people are getting free medical treatment here. A train has been started and now another train will also be started to Ambaji which is making us very happy," he said.
While new entrants AAP has promised freebies including free electricity and guarantee cards, however, it seems that the Modi flavour of guarantee still works for the BJP.
Local resident Divya Kant Upadhyay said, "Development has happened and it's for everyone to see. There is a college and hospital that have been established here. Modi belongs here and he will continue to take Gujarat to a win. There is nothing to beat it."
Nilesh, another local said, "Right from the Garden to the lake you see such beautification. We take pride to see all this being done."
While the saffron party seeks its highest assembly seat win this poll season, a resident of Vadnagar, Chetan said it's possible as long as Modi leads.
"There is no alternative to Modi in Gujarat and we do not see any change of government here for many years. Whether Congress comes up or even Aam Aadmi Party or Kejriwal, only Modi is acceptable to the people of the state. We're confident that the party will win at least 150 out of 182 seats."
Vadnagar is located in the Mahesana District of Gujarat State. It's the ancestral home and birthplace of India's PM Narendra Modi.
The Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held on December 1 and 5, and the counting of votes will take place on December 8. (ANI)