PM Modi in Varanasi: 'Solution to all problems lies in development'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that "the solution to all problems lies in development and the government is working in the right direction."

"We are working in the direction of helping our citizens stand on their own feet," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing a huge gathering in Varanasi's Lalpur stadium.

He also gifted schemes totalling Rs 1,000 crore to the people of Varanasi.

The Prime Minister, who was speaking after inaugurating several development initiatives, said, "We not only launch but also complete projects."

He targeted previous governments, saying they were driven by political calculations, resulting in schemes being inaugurated but never seeing completion.

Asserting that his government's effort was to empower the poor, he said, "Our aim is to see that the dream of development is fulfilled and lives of poor changes and they get opportunities."

Modi said even the poor people do not want their future generations to eke out a living like themselves. "No poor person wants to give their children their poverty in inheritance," Modi said.

He said his government shares their dream and is working to realise it.

"Our government has a dream to wipe out poverty," he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked the government of Uttar Pradesh for undertaking the numerous development projects in Varanasi.

"I fought the Lok Sabha elections from both Baroda and Varanasi, and won both, but I chose to let go of the Baroda seat because I knew there are many people there who will take care of the development. I wanted to devote my time to Varanasi," PM Modi said after inaugurating several projects in the city.

He inaugurated the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul - a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts and crafts museum - constructed at a cost of Rs 300 crore.

Referring to development projects for weavers, who constitute a major chunk of the population in the city, Modi said his government wants their works to be showcased globally so as to enhance their economic prospects.

"Our weavers need a global market which will enhance their economic prospects significantly," he said.

At the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, Modi evinced keen interest in the wooden and glass products on display and talked to the rural artisans to encourage them.

The prime minister said his government has started initiatives to connect waterways for economic develoment.

He also flagged off, via a video link, the Mahamana Express train to connect Varanasi with Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat, his home state.

Modi inaugurated banking services of the Utkarsh Bank and unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of the headquarters building of the Bank.

The Utkarsh Bank specializes in micro-finance.

The prime minister dedicated a Jal Ambulance (water amublance) service and a 'Jal Shav Vahan' service (water-based vehicle service for ferrying bodies) to the people of Varanasi, through a video link.

On the first day of his two-day tour, he is scheduled to visit the historic Tulsi Manas Temple, where he will release a postal stamp on "Ramayana."

It is his 11th visit to Varanasi since he assumed office in 2014 and his first after the BJP government was formed in Uttar Pradesh in March.

PM Modi observes the nine-day fast during Navratri and a special prayer and "darshan" have been arranged for him at the Durga Kund temple.

(with agencies input)