You are my master, my high command, PM Modi says in Varanasi

Presenting his report card as parliamentarian from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the development works carried out in Kashi by his government in the last four years.

Addressing a rally at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Modi said: “You may have given me responsibility of Prime Minister but it is my duty to give you an account of my work as your member of parliament. You are my high command, you are my master and I am your ‘sevak’ (servant). So, I have to give you the account of every paisa and time spent on Varanasi.”

The PM launched and inaugurated projects worth Rs 557.39 crore for Varanasi.

He inaugurated a number of projects including Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) worth 362 crores for Old Kashi and Atal Incubation Centre at BHU. He also laid the foundation stone of various projects including Regional Ophthalmology Centre and Centre for Vedic Sciences at BHU.

“Today, I gave you the glimpses of the work that I did as a parliamentarian in the last four-and-a-half years,” the PM said, concluding his speech in Varanasi.

He said while making Varanasi a smart city, care was being taken to not to disturb the culture and tradition of the temple town and to conserve its rich history and culture.

“Modern facilities are being developed in Kashi while preserving the tradition and eternal identity for which the city is known since time immemorial. There has been a positive change in the last four years. The difference is visible,” Modi said.

He said after underground cabling work in Old Kashi under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), the cobweb of overhead electricity wires had disappeared.

“The government has cleared 200 projects worth Rs 21,000 crore to clean up Ganga from Gangotri to Gangasagar. It is being ensured that sewage waste does not enter the river. In Varanasi alone, three sewage treatment plants are under construction. Two of these are on the verge of completion,” Modi said.

He said the Centre was making efforts to develop Varanasi as the gateway to East India.

“We are trying to equip the city with world-class transportation, education and medical facilities. Road projects worth thousands of crores of rupees are being constructed. The ring road project has been completed. Manduadeeh flyover has already been completed. Work to widen Andhara Pul, which was pending for many years, has also been completed. Railway stations have been modernised,” he said.

Alluding to the pictures of the railway stations posted on social media, Modi said people could see the changing face of the city soon after stepping down from trains.

“Kashi has started emerging as a health hub. The city already has a new cancer hospital. A super speciality hospital and a cancer hospital will come up providing modern facilities to patients. BHU has signed an MoU with AIIMS to develop a world-class health institute,” the Prime Minister added.

Modi said the Atal Incubation Centre would give fresh energy to startups and added he was informed that the centre had already received applications from 80 startups and 20 others were already connected with it.

“We are trying to uplift the status of people of every class. Kashi is among the selected cities where cooking gas is being supplied through pipeline. A line has been laid from Allahabad to Varanasi. Work is in progress to provide cooking gas supply through pipeline to 40,000 houses in Varanasi,” he said.

“We are committed to bringing about a positive change. Please come forward and contribute in making new Kashi and New India,” he said.

“I am the son of Kashi. The people of Varanasi gave me immense affection and blessings. I am beginning a new year to serve the country after seeking the blessings of Baba Vishvanath and Maa Ganga,” he added.