PM Modi Inaugurates ₹2,200 Cr Projects in Varanasi, Hails Operation Sindoor, Farmer Welfare

In a momentous visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects collectively worth around ₹2,200 crore. Held during the sacred month of Sawan, the event served as a blend of spiritual homage, patriotic pride, and economic upliftment, showcasing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, national security, and farmer empowerment.

A Spiritually Charged Visit Rooted in Varanasi’s Soul

Prime Minister Modi opened his address with heartfelt greetings to the people of Varanasi, emphasizing his emotional connection with the ancient city and its citizens. He extended his respects to every family in Varanasi, stating that meeting them during Sawan felt like returning home. While expressing his wish to visit Kashi Vishwanath and Markandeya Mahadev, the Prime Minister explained he refrained to avoid disrupting the spiritual experience of other devotees.

He painted a vivid picture of the Sawan pilgrimage, describing the mesmerizing sight of devotees carrying Gangajal, the echo of damrus, and the magnetic pull of the divine energy pervading the city. This imagery, Modi said, reflects India's timeless spiritual strength, a force he believes fuels the country’s development trajectory.

Operation Sindoor: From National Grief to Strategic Triumph

In a powerful emotional turn, the Prime Minister invoked the tragic memory of the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack, where 26 innocent lives were lost. Referring to the incident as a blow to India’s conscience, Modi remembered praying to Lord Vishwanath for strength to the grieving families.

He then triumphantly announced the fulfillment of a solemn vow—Operation Sindoor, launched to avenge the symbolic sindoor of India’s daughters. Dedicating its success to Lord Mahadev, Modi declared that the mission’s precision and impact demonstrated India's unyielding commitment to its citizens’ security.

Highlighting the indigenous capabilities that powered the operation, the PM credited Atmanirbhar Bharat, lauding Indian-made drones, air defense systems, and particularly the BrahMos missiles, whose potency, he said, has shaken the enemies of India. He noted with pride that BrahMos missile manufacturing will soon begin in Lucknow, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a critical defense production hub.

Critique of the Opposition: "Tamasha" or Triumph?

In an unflinching critique, the Prime Minister lambasted opposition parties for belittling the valor of the armed forces, pointing to their remarks branding Operation Sindoor as a “tamasha.” He questioned whether the sacrifice symbolized by sindoor could be reduced to a spectacle and condemned such attitudes as disrespectful to national security and women’s dignity.

Modi further accused opposition leaders of vote-bank politics, alleging that some once withdrew cases against terrorists during their tenures in Uttar Pradesh. Now, he claimed, the same parties are uncomfortable with India’s decisive action against terrorism.

Boosting Agriculture: PM-KISAN and New Krishi Yojana

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of ₹21,000 crore disbursed under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, directly benefiting 10 crore farmers. Modi celebrated the milestone, emphasizing that ₹3.75 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers across India since the scheme’s launch, with ₹90,000 crore reaching 2.5 crore farmers in Uttar Pradesh, and ₹900 crore benefiting farmers in Varanasi alone.

The PM also launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, backed by ₹24,000 crore, to boost agriculture in underperforming districts. He highlighted the government’s effort to lower cultivation costs, ensure fair prices, and build warehousing infrastructure, ensuring a robust farm-to-market ecosystem.

Modi spoke about the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which has so far disbursed over ₹1.75 lakh crore in crop loss compensation, protecting farmers against climatic uncertainties. His commitment to transforming agriculture was further underscored by references to the “Lab to Land” campaign, which directly engaged 1.25 crore farmers during May–June 2025 to disseminate modern farming practices.

Empowering Rural Women: Lakhpati and Drone Didis

A particularly impactful part of the address centered around the government's women empowerment initiatives in rural India. The Lakhpati Didi campaign, with an aim to create three crore women micro-entrepreneurs, has already enabled 1.5 crore women to cross the lakhpati income threshold. The Drone Didi scheme has similarly elevated women's participation in agri-tech, substantially increasing their incomes and dignity.

Jan Dhan Yojana Turns 10: Massive KYC Drive Underway

Modi also informed the public that the Jan Dhan Yojana, which opened 55 crore bank accounts, has completed ten years. To meet regulatory requirements, a massive KYC campaign has been launched from July 1, 2025, with camps set up in 1 lakh gram panchayats. These camps are also facilitating enrollments into other vital schemes like PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana.

Calling upon BJP representatives and the public, the PM stressed the importance of completing KYC processes to ensure continued financial inclusion.

Economic Development in Uttar Pradesh: From Fear to Fortune

The Prime Minister applauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, crediting him with transforming Uttar Pradesh from a state once riddled with criminality into an investment magnet. Major national and international companies are now setting up operations across the state, particularly in defense and manufacturing.

The PM listed the day’s inaugurated projects, including a rail overbridge, schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, school reconstructions, a homeopathic college, and the restoration of Munshi Premchand’s legacy. He also celebrated the development of Maa Kalka Dham in Sevapuri, recalling the region’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and its connection to Mahatma Gandhi's spinning revolution.

Vocal for Local: A Call for Swadeshi Revival

Turning to national responsibilities, Modi made an impassioned call for embracing Swadeshi and Make in India products. Urging citizens, traders, and shopkeepers to adopt “Vocal for Local”, the PM positioned this movement as a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, especially with the festive season approaching.

A Vision for a Viksit Bharat

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, and achieving this goal depends on collective national effort. He reiterated that from Varanasi to the rest of India, every citizen must become a stakeholder in building a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation.

The event was attended in person by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and virtually by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, governors, central and state ministers, marking a grand convergence of national, regional, and grassroots leadership in pursuit of a Viksit Bharat.