Namah Parvati Pataye, Har-Har Mahadev!
On the stage, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel; Chief Minister, the Honourable Shri Yogi Adityanath; Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak; esteemed ministers present; other public representatives; Chairman of Banas Dairy, Shankarbhai Chaudhary; and all my dear family members who have gathered here in such large numbers to offer their blessings—
My heartfelt greetings to the beloved people of our Kashi family. I humbly seek your blessings on this occasion. I am truly indebted to this overwhelming love. Kashi is mine, and I belong to Kashi.
Friends,
Tomorrow marks the sacred occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav, and today I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet you all in the sacred city of Kashi which is known for the very Sankat Mochan Maharaj. On the eve of Hanuman Janmotsav, the people of Kashi have assembled here to celebrate the spirit of development.
Friends,
Over the past ten years, the development of Banaras has witnessed remarkable acceleration. Kashi has gracefully embraced modernity while preserving its rich heritage, taking confident strides towards a brighter future. Today, Kashi stands not only as a symbol of antiquity but also as a beacon of progress. It now occupies a pivotal place on the economic map of Purvanchal. The very Kashi that was once guided by Lord Mahadev himself—today, that same Kashi is driving the chariot of development for the entire Purvanchal region!
Friends,
A short while ago, numerous projects pertaining to Kashi and various parts of Purvanchal were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. These include several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, a campaign to ensure the provision of tap water to every village and household, the expansion of educational, healthcare, and sports facilities, and a firm commitment to improve amenities for every region, every family, and every young person. Each of these initiatives and schemes will serve as significant milestones in the journey towards transforming Purvanchal into a developed region. Every person in Kashi will benefit immensely from these endeavours. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Banaras and Purvanchal for these development projects.
Friends,
Today also marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, a revered icon of social awareness. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule dedicated their entire lives to the welfare of women, their empowerment, and social upliftment. Today, we are continuing their legacy—advancing their vision, their mission, and their movement for women’s empowerment—with renewed vigour and purpose.
Friends,
I would like to highlight one more point today. Inspired by great souls like Mahatma Phule, our guiding principle in serving the nation has been Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We work for the nation with this inclusive spirit. In contrast, those who indulge in political games solely for the sake of power adhere to a different mantra: Parivaar Ka Saath, Parivaar Ka Vikas. Today, I would particularly like to congratulate the cattle-rearing families of Purvanchal, especially our industrious sisters, for embodying the true essence of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. These women have proven that when faith is placed in them, that trust can lead to the making of history. They have now become a shining example for the whole of Purvanchal. Just a short while ago, bonus payments were distributed among all the cattle-rearing partners associated with the Banas Dairy Plant in Uttar Pradesh. Banaras and bonus—this is not a mere gift; it is the rightful reward for your dedication. This bonus, amounting to over ₹100 crore, is a tribute to your hard work and unwavering commitment.
Friends,
Banas Dairy has transformed both the image and the destiny of thousands of families in Kashi. This dairy has converted your hard work into well-deserved rewards and given wings to your aspirations. What is particularly heartening is that, through these efforts, many women from Purvanchal have now become Lakhpati Didis. Where once there was anxiety about survival, today there is a steady march towards prosperity. This progress is visible not only in Banaras and Uttar Pradesh, but across the entire country. Today, Bharat stands as the largest milk-producing nation in the world. In the past ten years, milk production has increased by approximately 65%—more than double. This achievement belongs to crores of farmers like you—my brothers and sisters engaged in animal husbandry. And such success has not come overnight. For the past ten years, we have been advancing the dairy sector of our country in a mission-driven manner.
We have brought the Kisan Credit Card facility to livestock rearers, increased their loan limits, and arranged subsidies. However, the most significant effort has been one of compassion—towards our animals. A free vaccination programme has been introduced to protect livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease. While everyone remembers the free Covid vaccine, this is a government that, under the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, even ensures free vaccinations for our animals.
More than 20,000 cooperative societies across the nation have been revitalised to streamline the organised collection of milk. Lakhs of new members have been added to these societies. The endeavour is to unite those associated with the dairy sector and lead it towards growth. Indigenous cow breeds are being promoted, with a focus on improving their quality. Scientific breeding practices are being encouraged. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is currently underway to support these efforts.
The foundation of all these initiatives is to enable our cattle-rearing brothers and sisters to embrace a new path of development—to connect with promising markets and opportunities. Today, the Kashi complex of Banas Dairy is championing this vision across Purvanchal. Banas Dairy has also distributed Gir cows in the region, and I have been informed that their numbers are steadily increasing. Furthermore, Banas Dairy has introduced a system of fodder for livestock in Banaras. At present, this dairy collects milk from nearly one lakh farmers in Purvanchal, thereby empowering the farming community.
Friends,
A short while ago, I had the honour of distributing Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to several elderly friends here. The contentment I witnessed on their faces is, for me, the greatest success of this scheme. We all understand the concerns that our elderly face regarding medical treatment. We are also well aware of the challenges this region, and indeed all of Purvanchal, faced in terms of healthcare a decade ago. Today, the situation has changed entirely. My Kashi is fast becoming a health capital. Major hospitals that were once limited to Delhi and Mumbai are now accessible near your homes. This is what true development looks like—when essential services and facilities reach the people.
Friends,
Over the past ten years, we have not merely increased the number of hospitals—we have elevated the dignity of the patient. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is nothing short of a blessing for my poor brothers and sisters. This scheme does more than providing medical treatment—it instils confidence alongside care. Lakhs of people across Uttar Pradesh, and thousands in Varanasi alone, have benefitted from it. Every procedure, every operation, every instance of relief has marked a new beginning in a person’s life. The Ayushman Yojana has saved crores of rupees for lakhs of families in Uttar Pradesh alone—because the government has declared: your healthcare is now our responsibility.
And friends,
When you blessed us with a third term, we too honoured our duty as humble servants of your affection and made every effort to give something back. My guarantee was that the treatment of senior citizens would be free. The result of that commitment is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana. This scheme is not only about medical treatment for the elderly; it is about restoring their dignity. Now, senior citizens over the age of 70 in every household, regardless of income, are entitled to free treatment. In Varanasi alone, the highest number of Vaya Vandana cards—around 50,000—have been issued to the elderly. This is not merely a statistic; it is a sincere act of service by a servant of the people. Now there is no need to sell land to afford medical care! No longer must one take out loans to pay for treatment! There is no longer the helplessness of going door to door in search of treatment. Do not worry about medical expenses—the government, through the Ayushman Card, will now bear the cost of your treatment!
Friends,
Today, anyone who passes through Kashi speaks highly of its infrastructure and facilities. Every day, lakhs of people visit Banaras. They come to seek blessings from Baba Vishwanath and to bathe in the sacred waters of Maa Ganga. Each visitor remarks on how much Banaras has changed.
Just imagine—had the condition of Kashi’s roads, railway, and airport remained as they were ten years ago, what would the state of the city be today? In the past, even minor festivals would lead to traffic gridlocks. Take for instance someone travelling from Chunar to Shivpur—they had to circle around Banaras, caught in endless jams, suffocating in dust and heat. Today, the Phulwaria flyover has been constructed. The route is now shorter, time is saved, and life is far more comfortable! Similarly, residents from the rural parts of Jaunpur and Ghazipur once had to pass through Varanasi city to commute. People from Ballia, Mau, and Ghazipur districts had to cross through the heart of the city to reach the airport, often stuck in traffic for hours. Now, thanks to the ring road, people can travel from one side to the other in just a matter of minutes.
Friends,
Previously, travelling to Ghazipur would take several hours. Now, the roads connecting cities such as Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur and Azamgarh have been widened significantly. Where once there were traffic jams, today we witness the pace of development! Over the past decade, approximately ₹45,000 crore has been invested in enhancing the connectivity of Varanasi and the surrounding regions. This money has not merely been spent on concrete—it has been transformed into trust. Today, the entire region of Kashi and its neighbouring districts are reaping the benefits of this investment.
Friends,
This investment in Kashi’s infrastructure continues even today. Foundation stones for projects worth thousands of crores have been laid. Expansion work on our Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is progressing rapidly. As the airport grows, it is equally important to develop the infrastructure that connects to it. Therefore, a six-lane underground tunnel is now going to be constructed near the airport. Today, work has also commenced on road projects related to Bhadohi, Ghazipur and Jaunpur. There had long been a demand for flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih. We are pleased to announce that this demand is now being fulfilled. A new bridge will also be built to connect Banaras city with Sarnath. This will eliminate the need to pass through the city to reach Sarnath from the airport or other districts.
Friends,
In the coming months, once these projects are completed, commuting in Banaras will become significantly easier. Travel times will be reduced, and commercial activity will increase. Moreover, those who come to Banaras for livelihood or medical treatment will experience far greater convenience. The trial of the city ropeway has also begun in Kashi. Banaras is now set to join the select few cities in the world to offer such a facility.
Friends,
Any development or infrastructure project undertaken in Varanasi benefits the youth of all of Purvanchal. Our government places great emphasis on ensuring that the young people of Kashi receive consistent opportunities to excel in sports. We are now working towards the goal of hosting the Olympics in Bharat in 2036. But to bring home Olympic medals, the youth of Kashi must begin their preparations now. That is why new stadiums are being built in Banaras today, and world-class facilities are being established for our young talents. A new sports complex has been inaugurated, where hundreds of athletes from Varanasi are currently receiving training. Participants in the Sansad Khelkud Pratiyogita have also had the opportunity to showcase their talents on this very field.
Friends,
Today, Bharat is advancing both development and heritage hand in hand. Kashi is emerging as the finest example of this balance. Here, the sacred Ganga flows, and alongside it flows the stream of Indian consciousness. The soul of Bharat resides in its diversity, and Kashi is the most vivid reflection of that spirit. Every neighbourhood in Kashi represents a unique culture, and every street reveals a different hue of Bharat. I am pleased that initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam are strengthening these bonds of unity. Now, an Ekta Mall is also set to be established here. This Ekta Mall will celebrate the diversity of Bharat, showcasing products from various districts across the country—all under one roof.
Friends,
In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has transformed its economic landscape and perspective. UP is no longer merely a land of potential; it is now becoming a land of resolve, strength, and achievement. Today, the phrase 'Made in India' resonates across the globe. Indian-made goods are now emerging as international brands. Many local products have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag is not merely a label; it is a certificate of a region’s unique identity. It signifies that a particular product is rooted in a specific land. Wherever the GI tag travels, it opens the gateway to global markets.
Friends,
Today, Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in GI tagging! This reflects the growing international recognition of our art, our products, and our craftsmanship. Over 30 products from Varanasi and its surrounding districts have now been awarded the GI tag. From Varanasi’s tabla and shehnai, to its wall paintings, thandai, red stuffed chillies (Lal bharwa mirch), red peda, and tricolour barfi—each has now been granted a new passport of identity through the GI tag. Today itself, several products from across the state—such as Jaunpur’s Imarti, Mathura’s Sanjhi art, Bundelkhand’s Kathia wheat, Pilibhit’s flutes, Prayagraj’s Munj craft, Bareilly’s Zardozi, Chitrakoot’s woodcraft, and Lakhimpur Kheri’s Tharu Zardozi—have all been awarded GI tags. This signifies that the fragrance of UP’s soil will no longer remain only in the air—it will now transcend borders.
Friends,
He who preserves Kashi preserves the very soul of Bharat. We must continue to empower Kashi. We must keep Kashi beautiful, vibrant, and dreamlike. We must keep uniting the ancient spirit of Kashi with its modern form. With this resolution, raise your hands and join me in saying once again:
Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev.
Thank you very much.
