PM Narendra Modi breaks security protocol to accept pagdi, scarf in Varanasi

Varanasi, Dec 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath corridor during his two-day visit to Varanasi. In his address, he stated that a new history is being created with the project. He also urged Indians to make a commitment to — sanitation, innovation and an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

In a video, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s car is seen making its way through a narrow lane lined with residents and shopkeepers shouting slogans and greeting him with flowers.

Prior to that, he took a holy dip in the river Ganga and offered prayers. PM Modi was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath when he landed in Varanasi and had a rousing welcome from the people of his Lok Sabha constituency. The temple city’s Rs 339-crore project, the foundation of which was laid by Modi on March 8, 2019, has been completed in less than three years as planned, despite the Covid pandemic.

After reaching the holy city, the Prime Minister took a dip in the holy Ganga and offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He will witness the Ganga Aarti later in the evening.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP president J P Nadda and other leaders accompanied him. The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to the city.

Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: Watch a snippet of the preparation underway for the inauguration by PM Modi

 

Later in the evening, the PM will witness Ganga Aarti while onboard a Ro-Ro Vessel with chief ministers and deputy CMs of various BJP-ruled states accompanying him. On Tuesday, he will address a conclave of 12 BJP CMs and nine deputy CMs where they will share best governance practices in their respective states, an official said.

With the UP Assembly elections around the corner, different political parties have sought credit for the recent development projects in the state such as the Purvanchal Expressway, which was inaugurated last month. For the Kashi Vishwanath corridor as well, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday claimed the project was approved during his term and he has documents to prove it.