As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 12 years in office on 26 May 2025, residents and pilgrims in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi expressed appreciation for what they described as a visible transformation in the temple city and a strengthened image for India on the world stage.

Voices from the Constituency

Local resident Pooja Pandey said the past decade-plus had brought achievements the country had not seen before. 'PM Modi's tenure has been very good. We had never achieved so many accomplishments before. Today, India is well recognised in all foreign countries; earlier, it was not like this,' she said. Pandey also pointed to improvements in security, employment, and the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which she credited with generating jobs for many residents.

Another Varanasi resident, Raghavendra Singh, highlighted cleanliness and urban beautification. 'Earlier, people used to create filth everywhere. Today, beautification has taken place in every lane and street,' he said.

Pilgrims from Across India Weigh In

Visitors from neighbouring states echoed similar sentiments. Gaurav Pandey, a devotee from Bihar, said the change since a decade ago was unmistakable. 'If we compare it to 10-12 years ago, there was not this much development when we used to come here. Now everything has become very beautiful. Cleanliness has improved a lot,' he said.

Satendra Gupta, a devotee from Hathras, praised the government's focus on temple restoration and the promotion of Sanatan traditions. 'He has created a strong image for himself and for the country across the world, which is highly commendable. Temples have been renovated and restored very well,' Gupta said.

Dinesh Pratap Singh, a devotee from Ghazipur, went further, saying: 'What had not happened in Kashi over the last 70 years has happened now. Whether it is roads, electricity or any other arrangements, there has been major improvement.'

Key Developments Under Modi in Varanasi

Varanasi has been a flagship constituency for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's urban renewal push. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in December 2021, is widely cited by locals as the most visible symbol of that transformation, expanding the temple precinct and drawing a surge in pilgrims. Infrastructure upgrades — including road widening, improved drainage, and enhanced lighting — have also been noted by residents across the city's older ghats and lanes.

The Broader Picture

Modi's 12-year tenure, spanning two full terms and a third term currently underway, has seen India rise in several global rankings — including its position as the world's fifth-largest economy. Critics, however, have argued that growth has been uneven, with rural employment and income inequality remaining persistent challenges. The views expressed in Varanasi reflect the sentiment of those interviewed and are not a representative survey of the constituency.

With the next general election due in 2029, the mood in Varanasi suggests that Modi retains strong personal goodwill in the seat he has held since 2014.