PM Modi in Varanasi: Operation Sindoor a ‘Pledge Fulfilled’
On his 51st visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address on Saturday, where he hailed the success of Operation Sindoor and emotionally recalled the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister described the operation as a “promise fulfilled,” attributing its success to the blessings of Lord Mahadev.
In April, 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed in Pahalgam by terrorists, an act that the Prime Minister described as “one of the most painful moments in recent memory.” Addressing the public gathering in Varanasi, he said, “That attack left my heart full of sorrow, especially thinking about the women who lost their husbands and family members. I had vowed to avenge the sindoor of my daughters. With Mahadev’s blessings, I have fulfilled that vow.”
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Operation Sindoor: A Nation’s Response to Terror
Operation Sindoor was carried out by Indian armed forces on May 7, in direct retaliation to the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam. Though details of the mission remain classified, it has been officially confirmed that the operation targeted the perpetrators responsible for the carnage and was deemed a strategic success.
“This is the first time I have returned to Kashi after Operation Sindoor,” said PM Modi. “I dedicate the success of this mission at the feet of Mahadev.” His remarks resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with chants and applause, reflecting a surge of nationalist sentiment and spiritual pride.
Development Push: ₹2,183 Crore Projects Unveiled
Apart from the symbolic and emotional weight of his speech, PM Modi also used the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to development. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 projects in Varanasi, amounting to a total investment of approximately ₹2,183.45 crore.
These projects span a range of sectors including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, urban planning, tourism, and animal welfare. Key highlights include road widening and construction, hospital upgrades, establishment of a homeopathic college, renovation of ponds, creation of libraries and sports facilities, construction of paved ghats to support religious tourism, and the development of animal care centers including dog hospitals.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: 20th Installment Released
During the same visit, the Prime Minister released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, transferring over ₹20,500 crore to the bank accounts of approximately 9.7 crore farmers across the country. The scheme, a flagship welfare initiative of the central government, aims to provide direct financial assistance to farmers and has been widely lauded for its scale and impact.
A Divine Connection: Mahadev and Kanwar Yatra
In keeping with the spiritual tone of his address, PM Modi praised the ongoing Kanwar Yatra and spoke warmly of the devotion of the Shiva bhakts. “These days, I see visuals of Shiva devotees carrying the holy Ganga water in Kashi—it is truly divine. Especially when our Yadav brothers carry water from Gauri-Kedareshwar, it becomes a beautiful sight,” he said.
He also expressed a personal wish to offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during the holy month of Sawan. However, out of concern for the common devotees who might face difficulties due to security arrangements, he refrained from visiting the temple. “I bow down to Bholenath and Maa Ganga from here,” he said.
A Message of Strength and Devotion
As PM Modi concluded his address in the local dialect, greeting every family in Kashi with respect, the speech effectively blended political leadership with spiritual symbolism. From avenging national grief to launching welfare and development schemes, the Prime Minister’s visit to Varanasi marked a blend of resolve, reverence, and responsibility.