Vadodara erupts in joy for its PM Narendra Modi

In various city areas, residents who are die-hard Modi fans celebrated the victory like their own

As the Lok Sabha poll results cleared the way for Narendra Modi to be the next Prime Minister of the county, Vadodara erupted in joy – not just the BJP workers, but residents who are waiting to see Modi on the PM’s chair. Roadside DJ dances to celebrate Modi’s win and hand-painted banners, residents of Vadodara cheered as Modi emerged winner on Friday.

In various city areas, residents who are die-hard Modi fans celebrated the victory like their own. While residents in areas from where Modi’s victory convoy proceeded poured out to catch a glimpse of the future Prime Minister, in areas that Modi did not visit too, roadside DJ dances to peppy numbers including NaMo songs released by the BJP.

The hot favourite remained, “Singhasan khali karo, Modi aa rahe Dilli” and a Modi spin-off on the famous Hindi song Main Hoon Don. On a 800 meter distance in Raopura, at least four DJ systems played Modi victory songs with residents including children dancing in glee.

Manoj Parikh, a college student, said, “We are very happy that the next Prime Minister of India has fought elections from our city and won from all across the country. It is a moment of pride for us and we will celebrate for the entire day before going for his rally at Khanderao market.”

In various places, banners congratulating Modi on his victory have been put up by supporters. One banner designed and hand painted by 27-year-old Nischay Rana depicts Modi as a genie emerging from Gujarat against the backdrop of India with a message saying, “Gujarat ka genie, desh mein acche din laanewala hai”.

Nischay and his family, residents of Karelibaug, have created the canvass to pay their tribute to Modi. Nischay says, “I thought of this concept because Gujarat is giving India a dynamic leader who wants to make true his vision for the country. We wish we can present the canvass to him.” Currently, the canvass stands at the Raopura junction along with the other posters put up by the party.

In another localities of Yakutpura, Mandvi and Fatehpura — predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods — several shops downed shutters after noon,when the results were apparent. A shop owner, who traders in metal sheets, did not wish to be identified said, “Many shop owners belonging to our community had decided to down shutters before the Friday prayers to avoid any trouble as we understand that political parties would be hysterical about their victory. It will be business as usual from tomorrow.”

Aditi Raja

Aditi Raja is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, stationed in Vadodara, Gujarat, with over 20 years in the field. She has been reporting from the region of Central Gujarat and Narmada district for this newspaper since 2013, which establishes her as a highly Authoritative and Trustworthy source on regional politics, administration, and critical socio-economic and environmental issues. Expertise: Core Authority & Specialization: Her reporting is characterized by a comprehensive grasp of the complex factors shaping Central Gujarat, which comprises a vast tribal population, including: Politics and Administration: In-depth analysis of dynamics within factions of political parties and how it affects the affairs in the region, visits of national leaders making prominent statements, and government policy decisions impacting the population on ground. Crucial Regional Projects: She consistently reports on the socio-economic and political impact of infrastructure projects in the region, especially the Statue of Unity, the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail bullet train project as well as the National Highway infrastructure. Social Justice and Human Rights: Her reporting offers deep coverage of sensitive human-interest topics, including gender, crime, and tribal issues. Her reports cover legal proceedings from various district courts as well as the Gujarat High Court (e.g., the Bilkis Bano case remission, POCSO court orders, Public Interest Litigations), the plight of tribal communities, and broader social conflicts (e.g., Kheda flogging case). Local Impact & Disaster Reporting: Excels in documenting the immediate impact of events on communities, such as the political and civic fallout of the Vadodara floods, the subsequent public anger, and the long-delayed river redevelopment projects, Harni Boat Tragedy, Air India crash, bringing out a blend of stories from the investigations as well as human emotions. Special Interest Beat: She tracks incidents concerning Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRIs) including crime and legal battles abroad, issues of illegal immigration and deportations, as well as social events connecting the local Gujarati experience to the global diaspora. ... Read More

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