Modi lays foundation of 50 projects worth Rs 1,254 crore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his Government took major decisions, including abolition of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and introduction of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the best interest of the nation and added that on such issues “hum kaayam hain aur aage bhi kaayam rehenge” (we’re firm and will remain firm on our stand)”, giving a clear message to all those who are opposing the same in various parts of the country.
Though Modi did not name Shaheen Bagh while addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the first phase of Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Smriti Sthal at trans-Ganga Parao and about 50 projects worth over Rs 1,254 crores, apart from flagging off the Kashi-Mahakal Express here on Sunday afternoon, he gave a clear message that his Government is determined on the CAA.
Not only this, in an earlier address at the Jangambadi Math, where he released the Shree Siddhanth Sikhamani Granth in 19 languages and Shivshree Vedika mobile app, Modi said, “It’s an important period in history when all hurdles delaying the construction of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya were removed and the Government had also handed over its acquired 67 acres of land to the Ram Janambhoomi Kshetra Trust apart from being development of Kashi Vishwanath Dham in this holy city.”
“Be it the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir or the Citizenship Amendment Act, the country waited for decisions on these for years,” he told a public meeting here during a day-long visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.
“These decisions were necessary in the interest of the nation. Duniya bhar ke saarey dababo ke bawjood, inn faislon par hum qayam hain aur qayam rahengey (Despite pressure from all sides, we remain firm on these decisions and will continue to remain firm,” Modi said.
Provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special powers to the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir, were abrogated by the Government in August last year.
Citing certain key decisions of his Government, Modi referred to the trust set up for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asserted that it would work “rapidly”.
“A trust has been formed for the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. This trust will work rapidly,” he said.
He said that after setting up of the trust, the work on the construction of ‘Ram dham’ will start with fast speed and added that his Government has also decided to transfer 67 acres of land to the trust.
The Government had recently set up the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra on the Supreme Court’s directive to the Union Government to form a trust that can look into the construction and management of the temple.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre and unveiled a 63-foot statue of the RSS ideologue - the tallest statue of the leader in the country.
“The soul of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya give us encouragement. We are working for uplift of Dalits, deprived and others sections. And this is what Upadhyaya’s ‘Antyoday’ says - to give all facilities to last beneficiary in the queue,” Modi said. He also inaugurated a 430-bed super-speciality Government hospital here.
He said that in past few years, Rs 25,000 crore worth of developmental projects have either completed or were going on in fast speed in Varanasi.
The Prime Minister also laid emphasis on better connectivity of heritage and religious sites, saying that tourism will be the main source of making the country 5 trillion dollar economy. He said, “Our behaviour as a citizen will decide direction of the country in future. Country is not made by Governments only, but values of people residing here.”
Soon after his arrival here, Modi participated in the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of the Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul and released the translated version of the Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages and its mobile application.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minster Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were present on the occasion.
Launching the ‘Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth’ Mobile App, the Prime Minister said it is a coincidence that the centenary celebrations are taking place at the beginning of a new decade and that this decade will once again establish India’s role in 21st century in the world. He said the digitisation of Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth via mobile app will further strengthen the engagement with the younger generation and will also inspire their lives.
Modi suggested conducting an annual quiz competition on topics related to Granth, via this mobile app.
He said following the path shown by the saints, we have to fulfil the aspirations of our lives and continue to cooperate fully in nation building.
Modi appreciated people’s contributions in creating awareness about cleanliness and taking the Swachchhta Mission to each and every corner of the country. He urged them to use ‘Made-in-India’ products.
The Prime Minister said a significant and visible improvement was made in cleaning the Ganga River. This, he said, could be achieved only because of the public participation.
He said under Namami Gange Programme, projects worth Rs 7,000 crores have been completed while work on projects worth Rs 21,000 crores is under progress.
Modi inaugurated ‘Kashi Ek, Roop Anek’, an arts and handicrafts exhibition, at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastkala Sankul here.
He evinced keen interest in the products on display as he went around several stalls and personally interacted with buyers and artisans coming from different countries, including the US, England and Australia.
‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ showcased products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh. There are 23 lakh artisans and weavers residing in Uttar Pradesh. Of them, about 35,800 artisans and 1.5 lakh weavers stay in Varanasi alone.
The Uttar Pradesh Government had launched the ambitious scheme ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) in which one craft per district was identified.