Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a packed schedule in Gujarat on Friday, presiding over a series of significant events in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The day's highlight was the grand inauguration of the much-anticipated Ahmedabad Shopping Festival (ASF) 2025–26, an initiative designed to boost local commerce and tourism.
A Day of Diverse Engagements
The minister began his engagements by attending a ‘Swadeshotsav’ programme organised by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch in Memnagar, Ahmedabad. Following this, he participated in the ‘Earth Summit 2025’ hosted by NABARD at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre in Gandhinagar.
Later, Amit Shah chaired a crucial review meeting with officials to assess the progress of the ambitious interlinking of lakes project in the region. His day also involved inaugurating several public amenities in Gandhinagar, including a newly constructed garden and yoga studio in Sector 22, a public garden in Sector 27, and a railway overbridge near the Sports Complex.
Ahmedabad Shopping Festival: A Grand Showcase
The inauguration of the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival (ASF) 2025–26 took place near Monte Carlo Oxygen Park on Sindhu Bhavan Road. This second edition of the festival, running until January 16, champions the "Vocal for Local" movement under the theme "Swadeshi with Global Appeal." It aims to provide a massive platform for local businesses while attracting tourists.
The festival promises a vibrant city-wide experience, spanning six major shopping districts and over 12 hotspot zones, including popular areas like CG Road, Vastrapur, Science City, Law Garden, and Manek Chowk. Visitors can look forward to more than just shopping; the event will feature food festivals, live music, cultural shows, sports activities, and dedicated family entertainment zones. Unique additions this year include heritage walks and a special wedding shopping zone.
Over 8,000 businesses have joined the initiative, encompassing a wide spectrum from retail stores and malls to MSMEs, hotels, restaurants, artisans, and premium brands. Shoppers can avail of attractive discounts ranging from 15–35% across participating outlets. To enhance convenience, an official ASF app will offer exclusive deals, event updates, maps, and a "Shopper Pass" for free travel on AMTS and BRTS buses.
Infrastructure and Community Initiatives
Beyond the shopping festival, the Union Home Minister dedicated several key infrastructure and social projects to the public in Gandhinagar. He inaugurated a PNG gas supply line, a primary school, and a primary health centre at Adraj. The day concluded with Shah attending the valedictory function of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad.
The series of events underscores a focused effort on boosting local economic activity, enhancing urban infrastructure, and promoting community welfare in Gujarat's key cities.
