NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, April 12, referred to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as a friend and lauded him for attending the launch event of the state's first Vande Bharat Express amidst the ongoing political crises in his Congress party.

The prime minister Narendra Modi was addressing the flagging-off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Express through video conferencing. At the end of his speech, he pointed to the demands put forward by Chief Minister Gehlot and also the ongoing political tussle in the Congress.

I want to express my particular gratitude to Gehlot Ji because despite the fact that he is currently facing numerous political issues, he still found time to work on a railroad initiative. I welcome him,'' Modi said.

At the Jaipur Junction Rail Station, a launch event for Vande Bharat was held. Ashwinin Vaishnaw, the railway minister, and Kalraj Mishra, the governor of Rajasthan, among others, were present.

The prime minister noted that the chairman of the Railway Board and the railway minister are both from Rajasthan, adding, "And I want to say Gehlot ji that you have laddoos in both your hands." He said, "The work which should have been done immediately after independence has not been done until now... but you have so much faith in me that you have put that work in front of me." This is what you believe. My friendship is based on your faith. I appreciate your faith in friendship," Modi said.

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