Varanasi, July 7 (FN Bureau) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government development does not mean only splendour, but it means empowerment of the poor, dalit, deprived, backward, tribals along with women. After launching 43 development related projects worth Rs 1,774.34 crore in his parliamentary constituency, Modi said, “For us development does not means only splendour, for us it means empowerment of the poor, dalit, deprived, backward, mothers and sisters.” He said that the BJP government has also made efforts to solve the problems of the poor and has tried to support them in their happiness and sorrow. “From free corona vaccines to arranging free ration for the poor, the government has left no effort to serve you all,” he said. The PM said that while on one hand the government is extending services for operating on CNG-run vehicles to make cities of the country pollution free, on the other hand the boatmen, who take care of Mother Ganga, to connect their petrol and diesel-based boats with CNG. He said that Kashi had always been lively and flowing.
“Kashi has presented a picture before the country which has heritage and development. Development which is continuously mobile. In Kashi one project ends and four new projects start,” he said. Modi said that projects worth several crore rupees related to road, water, electricity, health, education, sanitation and beautification have been completed in Kashi. “Work on projects worth several crore rupees is going on,” he said. He said that the development is to make Kashi more dynamic, progressive and sensitive. He also referred to the increasing number of tourists coming to Varanasi. The PM said, “The month of Sawan is not too far. Devotees of Baba Vishwanath from the country and the world are going to come to Kashi. This will be the first Sawan after completion of Kashi Vishwanath Dham project. You yourself have experienced how much enthusiasm there is in the whole world about Vishwanath Dham in the past few months.” Praising the residents of Kashi, Modi said, “I am happy to see the way the aware residents of Kashi have given direction to the country. The residents of Kashi have given a message to the entire country that short-cuts cannot do any good to the country.” Prior to this he attended Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam at International Cooperation and Convention Centre Rudraksh and inaugurated the Akshay Patra Mid Day Meal Kitchen at LT College.