A recent Right to Information (RTI) query has brought renewed attention to one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most celebrated childhood anecdotes—his days as a tea seller, or “chaiwala,” at a railway station in Vadnagar, Gujarat. According to the response provided by the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway, no official records or files were found to substantiate the claim that Modi operated a tea stall at the Vadnagar station.
RTI Filed by Activist Ajay Bose
The RTI, filed by Mumbai-based activist Ajay Bose on August 21, 2024, sought details about the tea stall where Modi reportedly sold tea as a child. Bose specifically asked for information such as the name of the stall, any relevant vendor licenses, and the identity of the railway authority who may have issued these licenses during that period.
In a reply dated September 19, 2024, the Ahmedabad division clarified that they could not locate any documents or records regarding the tea stall allegedly run by Modi. The response explained that the files related to catering stalls, including those at Vadnagar station, were transferred to the Ahmedabad division from the Rajkot division after the formation of the Ahmedabad division in 2003. However, the specific files mentioned in the transfer documentation, including one related to a stall at Vadnagar, could not be located.
The Official Response: Missing Records
The response from the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway stated:
“After the formation of Ahmedabad division on 1st April 2003, Rajkot division handed over files of catering stalls of stations falling under Ahmedabad division by letter no. C45/1/Handling over dated 29th August 2003. On serial no. 5 of this letter, one file bearing no. C45/5/36 with the subject ‘Ref. stall at Vadnagar of Shri Damodar M’ has been mentioned. But at present, any file mentioned in the above letter is not available on office record being old.”
This revelation has raised eyebrows and renewed public discourse over the narrative surrounding Modi’s modest beginnings, a story that has been pivotal in shaping his political persona.
The ‘Chaiwala’ Legacy
Modi’s rise from humble beginnings, working as a tea vendor, to the highest office in the country has been a central theme in his political journey. His “chaiwala” story is often referenced in his speeches and political campaigns, emphasizing his connection with the common man. However, the absence of official documentation on this aspect of his early life has given critics cause to question the accuracy of the narrative.
Public Reactions and Political Ramifications
The RTI response has sparked conversations across social media and political circles. Some critics argue that the lack of formal records raises doubts about the authenticity of Modi’s chaiwala claims, while supporters maintain that the absence of documentation does not diminish the significance of his story. It is worth noting that records from decades ago, especially involving small, informal businesses like tea stalls, may not have been meticulously maintained or transferred during administrative changes.
The lack of documentation, as revealed by this RTI response, adds a layer of intrigue to Modi’s early life and could continue to be a topic of debate in the political arena.
