Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Varanasi on Saturday, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects totalling approximately Rs 2,200 crore, aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity, heritage, and welfare in his parliamentary constituency.
A key highlight of the event was the release of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Through this, Rs 21,000 crore was transferred directly to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across India.
PM Modi also distributed over 7,400 assistive devices to the divyangjan and senior citizens.
Beginning his address with a spiritual invocation, ‘Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev’, the Prime Minister stated, “Today, I have come to Kashi for the first time since ‘Operation Sindoor’. On April 22, when the Pahalgam terror attack happened, 26 innocent people were killed brutally. The grief of those children and women deeply pained me.”
“At that time, I was praying to Baba Vishwanath that he give strength to the people to go through this pain and grief. I promised my daughters that I would take revenge for their ‘Sindoor’, and today, I fulfilled it all due to the blessings of Mahadev. I dedicate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ at the feet of Mahadev,” PM Modi asserted.
Spiritual Reflections and Kashi’s Devotion
Speaking to a large gathering, the Prime Minister remarked, “Watching the divine scenes of Shiva devotees carrying Ganga water across Kashi during the auspicious month of Sawan is truly special. I also wanted to offer my prayers at Baba Vishwanath and Markandeya Mahadev during Sawan; however, people would have faced problems if I had gone there, and that is why I bow down to Bholenath and Maa Ganga from here only.”
PM Modi also recalled his visit to Tamil Nadu’s 1,000-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. He described it as a symbol of India’s deep-rooted Shaiva traditions.
“This temple was built by King Rajendra Chola, who brought Ganga water from North India to join the north and south. A 1,000 years back, through his Shaiva Bhakti, Rajendra Chola started the tradition of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’. Today, with steps like Kashi-Tamil Sangaman, we are taking forward the idea,” the PM said.
He further added, “Such occasions give immense inspiration. Every instance of the country’s unity gives new spirit to the country, which is why ‘Operation Sindoor’ was possible. The unity of 140 crore countrymen became the strength of ‘Operation Sindoor’.”
Turning focus to development, PM Modi emphasised the significance of the PM-KISAN disbursement.
“Today, farmers are being celebrated here. Rs 21,000 crore have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country. When the amount is transferred from Kashi, it is in itself a ‘prasad’,” the Prime Minister noted.
Infrastructure Upgrades in Varanasi
Among the infrastructure projects launched were key road upgrades, including the Varanasi–Bhadohi and Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar routes. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated a railway overbridge at Hardattpur to ease traffic congestion on the Mohan Sarai–Adalpura corridor.
Foundation stones were also laid for improvements to roads in Dalmandi, Lahartara–Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur.
To enhance power supply in Varanasi, the Prime Minister launched electricity projects worth over Rs 880 crore. These include the Smart Distribution Project and underground cable works aimed at strengthening the city’s electrical network.
In a bid to promote cultural tourism, PM Modi inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront Kuccha Ghats and beautification work at Rangildas Kutiya in Shivpur. Restoration of the historic Durgakund was also completed.
Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid foundation stones for several heritage and cultural projects. These include:
- Restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple,
- Development of Karkhiyaon, the birthplace of prominent freedom fighters, and
- Conversion of Munshi Premchand’s ancestral home in Lamahi into a museum
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