Lucknow, Sep 18 (UNI) Referring to the people of Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, as malik (owner) and High Command, Prime Minister Narendra Modi switched into a poll mode by presenting a detailed report of the development work carried out in the temple city during the present NDA government.
Mr Modi said Varanasi would be developed as gateway of eastern India. “It is being equipped with world class facilities.”
"Today, I’ve given a small glimpse of what I’m done as an MP in four years. As people’s representative, as your ‘savek’, you are my high command and malik, hence to give details of every work to you is my duty," the Varanasi MP said.
The PM, who celebrated his 68th birthday with the children in his constituency and later worshiping at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Monday evening, addressed a public meeting at the BHU after inaugurating projects and laying foundations of schemes worth over Rs 557 crore on Tuesday.
On the occasion, in presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and UP BJP president Mahendra Nath Pandey, the PM hit out at the previous governments in the state for the step motherly treatment to Varanasi.
"While preserving the traditions and identity of Kashi, we are bringing positive changes in Kashi," he said, while adding that the previous governments did not carry out development as per the people's wish.
"There is a change taking place in Varanasi from every direction. I always thought when can the city be free of hanging electric wires. Today, they have disappeared in some parts. The projects launched today include getting rid of overhead electric wires in Old Varanasi. Besides LED bulbs has lit up Varanasi and brought down electricity bills," he claimed.
Mr Modi said changes in cleanliness front can be seen in the city and listed out the cleanliness projects undertaken, including setting up of sewage treatment plants.
Efforts are on to bring about changes in Varanasi though beautification of various heritage sites and improving providing facilities for tourists.
"The number of tourists visiting Varanasi has increased to 21 lakh from earlier 8 lakh," he claimed. He said that light and sound show would commence at Saranath to attract tourists while beautification drive is underway at different parks and international tourists places. " Now the Ganga ghats are cleaner and cruise has also added the attraction for the tourists," he said.
The PM said that health system has been improved with modern trauma centre coming up at BHU while work on the new cancer and super specialty hospital along with an AIIMS like institution were coming up in the city.
"All the villages near Varanasi were getting due importance in development and infrastructure like road ,water, electricity were given there. The Nagepur village, which was adopted by me, has been given a water project today," he said.
Talking about the transportation system in the state, he said the city will emerge as a hub of modern transportation which will help in business. "The city already has air, road connectivity, it will also have water connectivity too, when Haldia-Varanasi waterways would be completed soon," he claimed.
He said said many projects have been launched to make BHU a 21st knowledge centre and Government is continuously striving to uplight the condition of people hailing from every strata of the society.
"BHU’s Atal Incubation centre will give new energy to startups. Around 80 proposals of startup has already received and 20 have been connected so far. I appreciate the efforts of the youths," he said.
Talking about the national issue he said not only is the country producing not only record crops but also honey. "Want to congratulate UP government for joining Ayushman Bharat scheme,' PM Modi said.
The PM said he wanted to congratulate UP government for joining the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme which will be launched on September 25.
PM Modi inaugurated development projects worth over worth Rs 557.39 crore which included IPDS underground cabling works worth 362 crore carried out in old Varanasi. He also inaugurated Atal Incubation Centre.
Mr Modi laid foundation for Centre for Vedic Sciences and Regional Institute of Opthalmology. Both will come up on BHU premises.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his brief speech, talked about the achievement of his over-one-and-a-half year government.
UP BJP president Mahendra Nath Pandey too addressed the meeting.
Later, the PM left for New Delhi.
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