Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth approximately Rs 22 billion in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a gathering during the holy month of Sawan, he expressed a deep emotional connection with the people of Varanasi, referring to them as family.Shri Modi began by referencing Operation Sindoor, marking his first visit to Varanasi since its execution. He recalled the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, where 26 innocent lives were lost, and stated that the promise to avenge the victims had been fulfilled. The Prime Minister dedicated the success of the operation to the blessings of Lord Mahadev.In his speech, he described the spiritual fervour of Sawan in Varanasi, praising devotees, especially Yadav brothers, who carry Gangajal from Gauri Kedarnath. He explained that, out of respect for devotees’ convenience, he chose not to visit Baba Vishwanath in person, offering his salutations from the stage instead.Shri Modi also referred to his visit to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu and its symbolic connection of North and South India through the ancient Shaivite tradition. He stated that events like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam carry forward this heritage of unity.He announced that Rs 21 billion had been transferred to the bank accounts of 100 million farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Development projects exceeding Rs 20 billion were either inaugurated or commenced during the event. Shri Modi asserted that Varanasi’s progress is blessed by Baba Vishwanath and highlighted recent initiatives like the MP Tourist Guide Competition and upcoming photography and employment events.Shri Modi condemned opposition parties for misleading farmers, stating that when the PM-Kisan scheme was introduced in 2019, critics had claimed the money would be retracted post-elections. He declared that Rs 3.75 trillion had been directly credited to farmers' bank accounts nationwide, including Rs 900 billion in Uttar Pradesh and nearly Rs 9 billion in Varanasi alone—without any deductions or commissions.He announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana with a Rs 240 billion allocation, targeting low-yield districts neglected by previous governments. He also cited irrigation initiatives worth hundreds of billions of rupees and Rs 1.75 trillion paid under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to farmers facing weather-induced losses.The Prime Minister affirmed that farmers now receive fair prices through increased Minimum Support Prices and the construction of thousands of warehouses. He lauded the “Lakhpati Didi” campaign—aiming to create 30 million women earning over Rs 100,000—and the “Drone Didi” initiative for transforming women’s agricultural income.