नम: पार्वती पतये!
Har Har Mahadev!
Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, my Cabinet colleagues Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bhagirath Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak, Member of the Legislative Council and President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Shri Bhupendra Chaudhary, other state government ministers, public representatives, my farmer brothers and sisters who have gathered in large numbers, and my family members of Kashi!
Today, I visited Banaras for the first time since winning the elections. Greetings to the people of Kashi!
With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath and Maa Ganga, and the immense love of the people of Kashi, I have received the privilege of becoming the Prime Servant of the country for the third time. I am grateful to the people of Kashi for electing me as their representative for the third consecutive time. It feels as if Maa Ganga has adopted me, and I have become one with this place. Despite the heat, you have all gathered here in large numbers to shower your blessings, and looking at your dedication, even the Sun God has brought some relief as the sky is overcast. I am grateful to you; I am indebted to you.
Friends,
The election for the 18th Lok Sabha in Bharat showcases the vastness, strength, and deep-rooted nature of Indian democracy to the world. Over 64 crore people have cast their votes in this election, making it the largest electoral exercise globally. During my recent visit to Italy for the G-7 meeting, I noted that even if we combined the total number of voters from all G-7 countries, Bharat’s voter count would be 1.5 times greater. Similarly, if we combined all the voters from the European Union, Bharat’s electorate would be 2.5 times greater. Over 31 crore women participated in this election, marking the highest number of women voters in any country worldwide—almost equivalent to the entire population of the United States. This remarkable display of democratic strength and beauty draws global attention and admiration. I extend my gratitude to every voter in Banaras for contributing to the success of this festival of democracy. It is a matter of immense pride for the people of Banaras, who have not only elected an MP but also the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. Therefore, double congratulations to you all.
Friends,
The mandate given by the people of this country in this election is truly unprecedented and has created a new history. It is rare in democratic nations for an elected government to return for a third consecutive term. Yet, this is exactly what the people of Bharat have achieved this time. The last instance of such a hat-trick in Bharat was 60 years ago. Your support has bestowed this good fortune upon your servant, Modi. In a nation like Bharat, where the aspirations of the youth are so high and the dreams of the people are immense, for a government to be given the opportunity to serve again after ten years of work is a significant victory and an immense display of trust. This trust is my greatest asset. It inspires me to work tirelessly in your service and to elevate the country to new heights. I will continue to work hard, day and night, to fulfil your dreams and achieve your goals.
Friends,
I regard farmers, the youth, women, and the impoverished as the strong pillars of a developed Bharat. I have begun my third term with a focus on their empowerment. Our government’s first decisions were centred on farmers and poor families. Whether it is building 3 crore new houses for poor families across the country or advancing the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, these initiatives will benefit crores of people. Today’s programme is also set to strengthen this path towards a developed Bharat. In this special programme, people from villages across the country are connected with Kashi, with crores of farmers participating. I greet all the farmers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who are part of this event today. From my Kashi, I extend my greetings to all the farmer brothers and sisters connected via technology from every corner and village of Bharat, and to all the citizens of the country. Just a short while ago, Rs 20 thousand crore from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi reached the bank accounts of millions of farmers nationwide. Today, a significant step has been taken towards making 3 crore sisters Lakhpati Didis. The new role of sisters as Krishi Sakhis will ensure both dignity and new income sources for them. I extend my best wishes to all my farmer families, mothers, and sisters.
Friends,
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has become the world's largest direct benefit transfer scheme today. To date, Rs 3.25 lakh crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of crores of farmer families across the country. Additionally, Rs 700 crore has been deposited into the accounts of farmers in the Varanasi district. I am pleased that technology has been effectively utilised to deliver benefits to the right beneficiaries through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Just a few months ago, during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, over one crore farmers availed the benefits of this scheme. The government has also simplified many rules and regulations to make it easier to access the benefits of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. When there is the right intention and a spirit of service, initiatives in the interest of farmers and the public can be implemented with remarkable speed.
Brothers and sisters,
The entire agricultural system plays a crucial role in positioning 21st-century Bharat as the third-largest economic power in the world. We must adopt a global perspective and keep the international market in mind. Our goals include achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds and becoming a leader in agricultural exports. Consider the Langra mango from Banaras, the radish from Jaunpur, and the ladyfinger from Ghazipur; many such products are now reaching international markets. The One District One Product initiative and the establishment of export hubs at the district level is boosting exports and enhancing production quality to meet export standards. Our aim is to elevate the country’s presence in the global market for packaged food, with the vision that Indian food grains or products should be on every dining table around the world. To achieve this, we must promote the mantra of 'zero effect, zero defect' in agriculture. Whether it involves producing coarse grains or Shri Anna, cultivating crops with medicinal properties, or advancing towards organic farming, significant support systems are being developed for farmers through PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
Brothers and sisters,
Our mothers and sisters are present here in such large numbers. It is impossible to imagine farming without them. Consequently, the role of mothers and sisters is now being expanded to give farming a new direction. Initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi and Krishi Sakhi programmes are examples of this effort. We have witnessed the contributions of sisters as ASHA workers and their roles as Bank Sakhis in promoting Digital India. Now, we will see farming gain new strength through the Krishi Sakhi initiative. Today, more than 30,000 Self Help Groups have been granted certificates, recognising their role as 'Krishi Sakhis'. This scheme has currently been implemented in 12 states. In the future, thousands more groups across the country will be linked to it. This campaign will also aid in creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis.
Brothers and sisters,
Over the past ten years, both the Central and State Governments have created significant opportunities for the farmers of Kashi. In the last seven years, the State Government has worked with complete dedication. The establishment of the Banas Dairy Complex in Kashi, the Perishable Cargo Centre for farmers, various agricultural education and research centres, and integrated pack houses have all greatly empowered the farmers of Kashi and Purvanchal, increasing their incomes.
Banas Dairy has transformed the fortunes of farmers and cattle rearers in Banaras and its surrounding areas. Today, the dairy collects about 3 lakh litres of milk daily. More than 14,000 cattle rearers from Banaras alone are registered with the dairy, and Banas Dairy plans to add 16,000 more cattle rearers from Kashi in the next 1.5 year. Since Banas Dairy's inception, many milk producers in Banaras have seen their incomes increase by up to Rs 5 lakh. Farmers also receive annual bonuses, with over Rs 100 crore sent to cattle rearers' bank accounts last year. Additionally, Banas Dairy provides high-quality Gir and Sahiwal cows to farmers, further boosting their income.
Friends,
Our government is continuously working to increase the income of fish farmers in Banaras. Hundreds of farmers are benefitting from the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and now have access to Kisan Credit Cards. Additionally, a modern fish market is being constructed in nearby Chandauli at a cost of approximately Rs 70 crore. This market will also benefit the fish farmers of Banaras.
Friends,
I am pleased to see the tremendous success of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme in Banaras. Nearly 40,000 people have registered under this scheme. Solar panels have been installed in over 2,100 houses in Banaras, with work currently underway to install them in more than 3,000 additional homes. Most of the households participating in the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme have received two-fold benefits: not only have their electricity bills dropped to zero, but they have also started earning 2,000 to 3,000 rupees extra.
Friends,
The infrastructure development carried out in Banaras and its surrounding villages over the past decade have been immensely beneficial. Currently, the country's first city ropeway project in Kashi is nearing completion. The ring road linking Ghazipur, Azamgarh, and Jaunpur has become a catalyst for development. Flyovers constructed at Phulwaria and Chaukaghat have significantly eased traffic congestion for Banaras residents. The railway stations of Kashi, Banaras, and Cantt have been renovated to welcome tourists and locals alike in a revamped manner. The recently revamped Babatpur Airport not only eases traffic flow but also bolsters business activities. Progress on the development of Ganga Ghats, new healthcare facilities at BHU, rejuvenated ponds throughout the city, and various system enhancements across Varanasi contribute to a sense of pride among its residents. Initiatives in sports, including the construction of a new stadium, are creating fresh opportunities for the youth.
Friends,
Our Kashi has long been the epitome of culture and knowledge, demonstrating to the world that this heritage city can also pioneer a new era of urban development. The blend of development and heritage is evident throughout Kashi, benefitting not only its residents but also families from across Purvanchal who come here for work and other needs.
Friends,
With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath, this ongoing journey of Kashi's development will continue unabated. I extend heartfelt congratulations once again to all farmer friends, brothers and sisters from across the country. My sincere gratitude goes out once more to the people of Kashi.
नम: पार्वती पतये!
Har Har Mahadev!
