Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sizable Diwali gift worth over Rs 6,100 Crore to the people of Varanasi. As a third-term Member of Parliament from the constituency, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 23 development projects valued at Rs 6,611.18 crore.
The PM inaugurated a range of public facilities, including those related to healthcare, education, sports, religion, tourism, employment, housing, and aviation. This included laying the foundation stone for the expansion of Varanasi Airport and the construction of a new terminal. Additionally, he inaugurated the RJ Shankara Eye Hospital.
He also launched a scathing attack on the Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, accusing them of stalling the nation’s progress. The PM said that the BJP has been at the forefront of development, especially in honouring sportspersons.
Addressing a large gathering at the Sigra Stadium, PM Modi criticised the Opposition, stating, “These people have consistently hindered the country’s development. Even today, they create obstacles in developmental work.”
PM Modi contrasted BJP’s developmental work with the alleged “familyism” of the Opposition parties, criticising the Congress and SP for their dynastic politics. He further highlighted that the BJP has a record of keeping its promises, such as the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and implementing women’s reservation in the legislative bodies.
In a key part of his speech, PM Modi outlined his vision for involving the youth in the political landscape. “In the future, one lakh youth will be made a part of politics. I urge the youth to come forward and join the nation’s progress,” he said. He emphasised the importance of welcoming new leaders who do not come from political backgrounds, as a means to combat the “huge threat” posed by dynastic politics in India. “These complainants do the most harm to the youth. They don’t believe in giving a chance to them. That is why I have called upon the people to bring one lakh such youth into politics whose families have nothing to do with politics,” the PM asserted.
He portrayed this initiative as a campaign to transform Indian politics and to eliminate corruption and dynastic practices. “This is a campaign to change the direction of Indian politics. It’s time for a new, open-minded approach to politics,” he said, adding that as the MP of Kashi, he is committed to empowering the youth of the region.
Prime Minister Modi praised the recent development strides made by the BJP-led UP government, positioning Varanasi as a symbol of progress. “Kashi has once again become the starting point of new development records for the whole country,” he remarked, extending congratulations to the states, governors, and chief ministers contributing to the nation’s growth.
“The BJP has always delivered on its promises, whether it is building the Ram temple in Ayodhya or ensuring reservation for women in legislative assemblies,” the PM stated. He also underscored the BJP government’s achievements in supporting Muslim women, particularly through the abolition of triple talaq, which he described as ending years of suffering and empowering them to “walk with their heads held high.”
The PM pointed out the transformation of Uttar Pradesh from a state known for poor infrastructure to one recognised for its expressways and international airports. He highlighted Ayodhya’s rise as a significant spiritual destination with a new grand international airport welcoming pilgrims daily. He also mentioned the upcoming grand international airport in Jewar, Noida, as part of the state’s infrastructure growth.
“Think back to when UP was mocked for its broken roads. Today, UP is known as a state with expressways and international airports,” he said, emphasising the changes brought about by his government.
Reflecting on the BJP’s achievements, Modi noted the long-pending issue of women’s reservation, stating, “Our government has completed this historic work.” He emphasised that the BJP-led government granted constitutional status to the OBC Commission and implemented a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections without affecting existing reservations.
“We have worked with good intentions, aiming to transform the lives of every family in the country with honesty. That is why the country continues to bless us,” he added, citing BJP’s electoral successes, including record votes in states like Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
As PM Modi concluded his speech, the crowd erupted with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Modi,” expressing their enthusiasm. The atmosphere was vibrant, with women, children, and elders waving colourful paintings as they cheered on the Prime Minister. The audience began exiting the stadium rapidly after the address, with the police managing crowd control to ensure a smooth dispersal.
