Yogi Adityanath: Kashi transformed under PM Modi’s leadership

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Varanasi on Friday, marking the PM's first visit to his parliamentary constituency since the completion of eight years of the Yogi-led state government.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 44 development projects valued at ₹3,884.18 crore.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said, "Today, our Honorable Prime Minister is in Kashi. I welcome him on behalf of the people of Kashi and the state."

During the event, the Prime Minister distributed Ayushman Bharat health cards to three senior citizens above 70 years of age, presented GI (Geographical Indications) certificates for three local products, and transferred ₹106 crore as a bonus to dairy farmers associated with Banas Dairy (Amul).

Reflecting on recent political achievements, Yogi Adityanath added, "I congratulate PM Modi on the historic victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi." He also emphasized the success of the recent Mahakumbh, noting, "The Mahakumbh has been a grand success, with over 3 crore devotees visiting Kashi. The Prime Minister's leadership and guidance have made this possible. The Namami Gange project has also been a huge success, and we're grateful for it."

Highlighting Kashi’s infrastructural progress over the past decade, the CM said, "Kashi has undergone significant changes in the last 11 years. We've seen projects worth over 50,000 crores implemented here. Today, we're inaugurating projects worth 4,000 million rupees."

Yogi further spoke about welfare initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and artisans, stating, "We're also providing recognition to local handicraftsmen and artisans through GI Tech certificates. Ayushman Bharat has been a game-changer for the poor, and we're grateful for the Vandana Yojna card, which provides health facilities to the elderly. The Banas Dairy project has been beneficial for farmers and livestock owners in Kashi. We're providing bonuses to cattle owners and supporting farmers through value addition."

The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shanker Chaudhary, and BJP’s Uttar Pradesh President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh.