Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as a friend and praised him for witnessing the inauguration of the state’s first Vande Bharat Express despite the ongoing political crises in his Congress party on Wednesday in Jaipur.

PM Modi Appreciates Rajasthan CM Gehlot's "Faith" in Him 2023 2

The prime minister addressed the Vande Bharat Express flag-raising ceremony via video conferencing. Modi concluded his speech by referencing Chief Minister Gehlot’s demands and the ongoing political struggle within the Congress.

Vande Bharat was inaugurated at Jaipur Junction station.

PM Modi Appreciates Rajasthan CM Gehlot's "Faith" in Him 2023 3

“I am especially grateful to Gehlot ji because, despite facing numerous political crises at present, he made time for development work and participated in a railway program. I salute him “Modi said. The Vande Bharat inauguration ceremony took place at the Jaipur Junction train station. Railway Minister Ashwinin Vaishnaw, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, and others were in attendance.

The prime minister stated that both the railway minister and the chairperson of the Railway Board are from Rajasthan “And I wish to inform Gehlot ji that you are holding laddoos in both palms… The minister of railways and the chairperson of the Railway Board are both from Rajasthan.”

“The work that should have been completed promptly following independence has not yet been completed… However, you have placed this assignment in front of me because you have so much faith in me.

This is your conviction; your faith is the foundation of our friendship. I appreciate your confidence in friendship “Modi responded to CM Gehlot’s request for a rail connection to connect three district headquarters.