VARANASI, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately ₹2,200 crore in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Saturday. The projects span infrastructure, road development, urban renewal, and electricity distribution, aimed at accelerating regional growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
During the event, the Prime Minister also released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. An estimated ₹21,000 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country under this installment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmer welfare.
PM Modi also distributed over 7,400 assistive aids to persons with disabilities (divyangjan) and elderly beneficiaries during the programme.
Addressing a large gathering, Modi began with the traditional salutation “Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev” and recalled his emotional connection to Varanasi and the recent “Operation Sindoor.” Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, the Prime Minister said he had prayed to Baba Vishwanath for justice and strength for the victims’ families. “Today, I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor at the feet of Mahadev,” he declared.
He also touched upon cultural unity through his visit to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu, built by King Rajendra Chola. Modi praised the historical gesture of bringing Ganga water to the south, calling it an early example of national integration through Shaiva devotion. “With steps like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, we are continuing this legacy of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’,” he said.
Calling the PM-KISAN disbursement from Kashi a form of “prasad,” Modi congratulated the farmers and reiterated his government’s focus on inclusive development, cultural unity, and national strength.
