CM Yogi Acknowledges PM Modi's Transformative Vision for Kashi
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Synopsis
On April 11, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath applauded PM Narendra Modi's leadership for transforming Varanasi over the last 11 years, highlighting significant projects boosting health, tourism, and education.
Key Takeaways
- Transformation: Kashi has evolved significantly under PM Modi's leadership.
- Development Projects: Investments exceeding Rs 50,000 crore have been made.
- GI Tags: Kashi leads in GI tags, promoting local artisans.
- Ayushman Bharat: Healthcare accessibility for over 50 crore people.
- Banas Dairy Project: Empowering rural livelihoods.
Varanasi, April 11 (NationPress) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on Friday for initiating a profound transformation in Varanasi over the past 11 years.
During a large gathering marking PM Modi's 50th visit to his parliamentary constituency, the Chief Minister stated that Kashi has transitioned from "narrow lanes and chronic congestion" to a city embodying modernity intertwined with ancient heritage.
He expressed sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister, saying, "While Kashi has always been an ancient seat of learning, its educational institutions were once in disarray. However, over the past 11 years, developmental projects worth more than Rs 50,000 crore have been launched in the city -- focusing on health, tourism, infrastructure, and connectivity."
"Devotees from across the country are now thronging to witness the new, rejuvenated Kashi," CM Yogi remarked.
"This is the same Kashi once known for its narrow lanes and persistent traffic congestion. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of modern development seamlessly blending with its ancient heritage," he further added.
His comments came as PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 3,880 crore.
"Even today, the Prime Minister is carrying out the foundation stone and inauguration ceremonies of various projects worth nearly Rs 4,000 crore in Kashi," Yogi Adityanath noted.
To commemorate the occasion, the Chief Minister presented PM Modi with an Angavastra decorated with Radha-Krishna leelas and a Kamal Chatra handcrafted from Varanasi's GI-tagged woodcraft, symbolizing the city's rich artisanal legacy.
Emphasizing the political and cultural significance of the visit, the Chief Minister remarked that it was the Prime Minister's first visit to Kashi after BJP's victories in the Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi Assembly elections and the grand hosting of the Mahakumbh.
"Kashi proudly bore witness to this sacred spectacle," he added, mentioning that every pilgrim was eager to experience the transformed city and offer prayers at the rejuvenated Baba Vishwanath shrine.
He stated that the successful hosting of the Mahakumbh was a reflection of the Prime Minister's emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and cultural revival.
"Every devotee who took a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati felt a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment -- a testament to the transformative impact of the Prime Minister's vision," he noted.
CM Yogi also highlighted the economic and cultural renaissance under PM Modi's leadership, especially with the GI tag initiatives.
"Today, Kashi and its surrounding districts hold the highest number of GI tags, positioning Uttar Pradesh at the forefront in this domain. Further strengthening this achievement, the Prime Minister is awarding certificates for 21 new GI tags today -- a significant step in promoting the unique identity of local artisans and craftsmen on both national and global platforms," he elaborated.
He praised the Ayushman Bharat scheme, referring to it as a "milestone in ensuring accessible healthcare for the underprivileged."
He mentioned that over 50 crore people nationwide, including more than 10 crore in Uttar Pradesh, have directly benefited from it, adding that through the Vaya Vandana Yojana, senior citizens above 70 are now entitled to free health coverage of Rs 5 lakh.
In Kashi alone, the Chief Minister stated that over 50,000 elderly residents have received Vaya Vandana health cards.
The Chief Minister also praised the Banas Dairy project for empowering farmers and cattle rearers. He stated that the initiative, which provides bonus payments to livestock owners, has linked rural livelihoods with economic growth through value addition and profit-sharing.
"In every sphere -- be it tourism, education, healthcare, connectivity, or the upliftment of farmers and artisans -- these initiatives have reshaped the destiny of Kashi," CM Yogi concluded.
"On behalf of the people of Kashi and the entire state, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for these visionary schemes that have brought about a new era of development in his very own Kashi," he wrapped up.
