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PM Modi addresses Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Published By : Admin | May 21, 2024 | 17:30 IST
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In a heartfelt address at the Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his unwavering confidence in the people of Banaras and highlighted the significant strides his government has made towards women's empowerment and development over the past decade. PM Modi also urged the attendees to prioritize their health during the campaign period.

PM Modi emphasized, highlighting the transformative impact of his administration's policies on women's lives. He said, "For the first time in the past 10 years, women have come to the forefront of the government's policies and decisions. Although it hasn't been discussed much, it is a major factor in India's success story. Tell me, when the home cannot run without you, how can the country run without you? This was something that the governments did not understand for 60 years. What did the Congress-SP governments give to women? Only neglect and insecurity."

Addressing the safety concerns, PM Modi stated, "The INDI alliance's mentality has always been anti-women. The INDI alliance opposes women's reservations. Wherever their government comes to power, it becomes difficult for women to live. The people of Banaras are familiar with the jungle raj in UP and Bihar. It was difficult for our sisters and daughters to step out of the house. Daughters had to leave their studies and stay at home due to safety concerns."

"For the first time, there is a government at the center that has cared about the dignity of women and provided them with respect. They were given toilets. Modi opened bank accounts for even the poorest women so that any money they receive remains safe. Modi registered millions of PM Awas in the name of women. Now women have become property owners. These were not just schemes, they gave new confidence to women's power. This was my mission, this was my vision," PM Modi declared, outlining the various initiatives taken to uplift women.

PM Modi also addressed the economic measures taken to alleviate the burden of inflation and improve the quality of life. "Congress comes, inflation rises. If there had been a Congress government, the budget of your kitchen would have increased two to three times. But this is BJP, this is Modi, the son of a poor man, who strives to reduce your expenses and increase your savings. Modi has implemented a free ration scheme, saving each family about 12,000 rupees annually. The Ujjwala cylinder you receive saves you over 300 rupees per cylinder," he explained.

"In the past 10 years, over 300,000 people in Banaras have undergone cataract operations. At Jan Aushadhi centers, medicines are available at an 80% discount. This has saved Banaras residents millions of rupees on medical expenses. Over 90,000 pregnant women in Banaras have benefited from the PM Matru Vandana Yojana. Under this scheme, each pregnant woman has received 6,000 rupees directly into their bank accounts for nutrition," PM Modi highlighted the healthcare initiatives that have significantly benefited the residents of Banaras.

"Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, more than one and a quarter million people in Banaras have received free treatment. And now, Modi has decided that every mother over 70 years old in Kashi will receive free treatment," he announced, reaffirming his commitment to the healthcare of senior citizens.

PM Modi also spoke about the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has already installed solar plants in more than 2,000 homes in Banaras, saving families two to two and a half thousand rupees in their electricity bills every month. He promised further expansion of this scheme after June 4.

The Prime Minister assured the audience, outlining his vision for the future, and said, "The leaders of the INDI alliance talk about the destruction of ‘Shakti’, but after June 4, the Modi government will make your ‘shakti’ into a ‘Mahashakti’. I am continuously working for you."

“Today, in the entire Banaras, the rates of shops, lands, hotels, and homestays have increased because such a large number of people are coming here. The Banas dairy that opened in Kashi has also proved to be a boon for Banaras. After the Banas dairy opened, more than 14,000 livestock farmers from Banaras alone were connected. After the Banas dairy came, the annual income of livestock farmers in Banaras has increased by more than one and a quarter lakh rupees," PM Modi highlighted the economic benefits brought about by his government's initiatives.

PM Modi concluded his address by expressing his gratitude and rallying the audience for the upcoming elections. He said, “I am grateful to all of you mothers and sisters. Remember, we have to win every booth, we have to make the lotus bloom at every booth. For this affection of Kashi, once again, thank you all very much."

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on 20-21 June 2026. On 20 June, at around 3:45 PM, the Prime Minister will participate in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. He will launch, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in West Bengal. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

On 21 June, at around 6:30 AM, the Prime Minister will participate in the 12th International Yoga Day celebration in Kolkata. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Later, at around 9:15 AM, Prime Minister will commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

PM in Hooghly

Prime Minister will participate in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations. The State-level celebrations are being held at Tarakeswar, Hooghly, a place of historic significance associated with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The theme for this year’s Paschimbanga Divas: “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development,” reflects the State’s cultural richness, social cohesion and developmental aspirations.

During the programme, Prime Minister will launch, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects. Spanning the sectors of railways, agriculture, rural development, fisheries and animal husbandry, these initiatives will strengthen infrastructure, improve livelihoods, enhance farmer welfare and accelerate socio-economic development across the State.

Prime Minister will release the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Under this instalment, more than ₹18,880 crore will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the country.

In West Bengal alone, more than ₹900 crore will be credited to over 45 lakh beneficiaries, taking the cumulative disbursement under the scheme in the State to over ₹15,000 crore. The total disbursement nationwide to over ₹4.46 lakh crore since the launch of the scheme in 2019.

Prime Minister to kickstart rollout of several key Central Agricultural Schemes in West Bengal. These schemes include Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agri Stack as part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming and Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Prime Minister will launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)in West Bengal, extending the benefits of the world’s largest crop insurance scheme to farmers in the State. During 2026–27, the initiative aims to provide insurance coverage to nearly 50 LAKH farmers across about 14 lakh hectares of agricultural land in the state of West Bengal, protecting crops with an estimated insured value of around ₹28,140 crore while supporting farmers through substantial premium subsidy.

As part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, Prime Minister will launch AgriStack in West Bengal, enabling a unified digital platform for verified agriculture-related services such as fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Cards, Direct Benefit Transfers and procurement under the Minimum Support Price system. The initiative will strengthen digital governance in agriculture and facilitate efficient delivery of farmer-centric services.

Prime Minister will further launch the National Mission on Natural Farming in West Bengal to promote sustainable, chemical-free agriculture rooted in traditional Indian practices. Under the approved Annual Action Plan for 2026–27, the State will establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares, while also creating Bio-Input Resource Centres and mobilising Krishi Sakhis to strengthen adoption of eco-friendly farming practices.

In a major step towards integrated agricultural development, Prime Minister will also initiate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) in West Bengal. The scheme will cover the districts of Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar and Jhargram with a focus on improving agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification and sustainable farming, strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation facilities, enhancing access to institutional credit, and ensuring convergence of multiple Central and State schemes for holistic rural development.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Modernized and capacity expanded Fishing Harbour at Fraserganj in South 24 Parganas and the newly constructed Modern Fish Market at Sainthia, Birbhum. These projects will strengthen fisheries infrastructure, improve post-harvest management and provide better marketing facilities for fish producers and traders.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for Goats at Haringhata in Nadia district. Established under the National Livestock Mission of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, it is the first such facility in Eastern India and will contribute significantly to scientific livestock breeding, genetic improvement and enhanced productivity.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of important railway projects worth around ₹590 crore. Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Sankrail–Santragachi Link Line Project in Howrah district. The project will play an important role in decongesting one of the busiest rail corridors in Eastern India, improving operational efficiency and enabling smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a 300-bed New Divisional Railway Hospital at Howrah. Equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure, advanced diagnostic facilities, specialist medical services and emergency care facilities, the hospital will significantly strengthen healthcare services for railway beneficiaries and the people of the region.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a Road Over Bridge between Haur and Radhamohanpur in Purba Medinipur district. The project will enhance safety for both rail and road users and facilitate smooth and uninterrupted movement of traffic.

Prime Minister will inaugurate 49 road infrastructure projects developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III). Covering a total length of more than 315 kilometres across various districts of West Bengal, these projects will improve rural connectivity, facilitate access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and contribute to balanced regional development.

These projects collectively represent a major step towards strengthening infrastructure, empowering farmers, enhancing livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities across West Bengal. The initiatives will contribute significantly to the vision of a Viksit West Bengal and Viksit Bharat by promoting inclusive growth, modern infrastructure and sustainable development.

PM in Kolkata

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Red Road in Kolkata. Prime Minister will address the gathering and participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session along with thousands of Yoga practitioners.

The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlights the role of Yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life. The theme is particularly relevant in an era of increasing life expectancy and growing emphasis on healthy, active and dignified ageing. Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar and Vishakhapatnam.

Yoga Day celebrations are being organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian Missions and Posts, reaffirming Yoga’s status as a global movement for health, harmony and collective well-being.

Prime Minister will also commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large) and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.

These inductions will significantly bolster the nation’s operational capabilities, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the security of our coastal waters against geopolitical threats.

All three ships were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed in Kolkata by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs. With an indigenous content of over 75 percent, these ships are also a testament to India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta.