Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 15

With high-stakes Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore in his constituency Varanasi and praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the “remarkable and unprecedented” work during the second wave of the Covid pandemic.

‘Japan trusted friend’

• PM called Japan one of the most trusted friends of India
• He was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Rudraksh’ — a top-of-the-line international convention centre built with Japan assistance

In his first address in Uttar Pradesh since the deadly second wave, the Prime Minister said the way the CM handled and stopped the virus from spreading was “commendable”. “The state administration managed to contain the spread and is now testing and vaccinating more than other states. The efforts of UP in dealing with the pandemic are remarkable,” he said.

Incidentally, Yogi has been facing criticism over “mishandling” of the pandemic. By appreciating the Yogi-led government for “handling the Covid situation and bringing an improvement in law and order and development in the state,” the PM dispelled speculations about differences between Yogi and the central BJP leadership over certain issues.

In an apparent dig at the BJP’s main rivals in UP —- Samajwadi Party and BSP, the PM said the government in UP was focusing on “vikasvaad” and not “bhai-bhatijavaad” or corruption.

The benefits of schemes are reaching people and new investments and opportunities of employment are increasing, the PM said. He also urged people to continue exercising caution regarding the virus.