New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi today heaped praise on Congress veteran and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while addressing the flagging-off ceremony of the state's first Vande Bharat Express. Referring to CM Gehlot as a friend, Modi thanked him for "taking out time for developmental work and attending the railway programme despite political tensions in the state."
He was referring to the ongoing power tussle between Congress leaders Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot ahead of the assembly elections in the state scheduled later this year.
"I express my special gratitude to Gehlot ji as he is going through many political crises these days but despite that, he took out the time for development work and participated in a railway programme. I welcome him," PM Modi said.
Railway Minister Ashwinin Vaishnaw and Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, among others, were present at the launch event of Vande Bharat at Jaipur junction rail station.
Referring to the Railway Minister and the chairman of the Railway Board both being from Rajasthan, the Prime Minister said, "And I want to say Gehlot ji that you have laddoos in both your hands... the Railway Minister is from Rajasthan and the chairman of the Railway Board is also from Rajasthan."
"The work which should have been done immediately after independence has not been done till now... but you have so much faith in me that you have put that work in front of me today. This is your belief … your faith is the strength of my friendship. I thank you for the trust you have in friendship," PM Modi added.