Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described Varanasi, also known as Kashi, as the “economic map of Purvanchal” and said that the city has transformed into a progressive hub over the past decade. His remarks came during a visit to the city where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of development projects valued at over ₹3,880 crore.
Greeting the people of Varanasi in Bhojpuri, PM Modi said,
“I salute my family members of Kashi. I will always be thankful for the love and respect that I have received from you all. Kashi belongs to me, and I belong to Kashi.”
He noted that the visit was especially meaningful as it coincided with Hanuman Jayanti and emphasized the deep spiritual and developmental significance of Kashi.
“Aaj Kashi sirf puratan nahi, meri Kashi pragatisheel bhi hai,” the Prime Minister said, underlining that the city is not only rooted in ancient heritage but also moving forward with modern development.
PM Modi highlighted multiple initiatives aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure, including better connectivity, access to clean drinking water (“nal se jal”), education, healthcare, sports facilities, and more. He said these projects will act as a milestone for a Viksit Purvanchal (Developed Purvanchal).
He also lauded the strides made in healthcare infrastructure in the region, stating:
“Today, the big hospitals in Delhi and Mumbai are near your home. This is development, where facilities come to the people.”
PM Modi mentioned the successful implementation of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, aimed at providing free healthcare to senior citizens, calling it a step toward dignified living for the elderly.
During the event, PM Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary, recognizing the social reformer’s efforts toward women’s empowerment and caste equality.
“Today, we are also taking their movement to empower women forward and giving it new energy,” he said.
In addition, the Prime Minister handed over Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens for the first time in over 70 years and distributed Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for various local Varanasi products, including tabla, paintings, thandai, and tiranga barfi.
He also transferred over ₹105 crore in bonuses to milk suppliers associated with Banas Dairy in Uttar Pradesh.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Varanasi after the completion of eight years of the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government.