PM Modi in Varanasi, likely to announce mega projects for the holy city

Varanasi, Nov 7:On his first visit to his Lok Sabha constituency after assuming power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to firm up plans for the development of the ancient temple town and lay the foundation stone of a trade facilitation centre for weavers.

Modi arrived at the airport located at Babatpur near here around 10 am and left straight for Lalpur village where he will lay the foundation stone of a trade facilitation centre and a crafts museum. The Prime Minister is also likely to adopt a village under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana under (MPs' Model Village Scheme). He will interact with the general public in Ravindrapuri locality of the city and hold a meeting with local BJP leaders at the guest house of Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW).

Modi is also scheduled to unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda, whom he has always held as his icon, at Vijayanagaram Tiraha crossroad in the city. He is also likely to visit a hospital situated inside the "ashram" set up by followers of spiritual leader Shri Anandamay Maa. Security has been tightened for the Prime Minister's visit.

According to Inspector General of Police (Public Grievances) Ashok Jain, 12 SP rank police officials of Uttar Pradesh, 18 Additional SPs, 20 Deputy SPs, 135 sub-inspectors, besides more than 1000 personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed. The Special Protection Group which is responsible for the Prime Minister's security would be assisted by officials and personnel of the Uttar Pradesh police.

The Prime Minister's visit, which is likely to last a little over 24 hours, has sent soaring the hope of a better future among residents of the holy town, which has been facing crumbling infrastructure and lack of basic amenities.

Among the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi has been constantly in the spotlight ever since Modi chose to retain the constituency he had won by a huge margin of 3.7 lakh votes, vacating Vadodara in his home state of Gujarat where his victory (by 5.7 lakh votes) was even bigger.

(PTI)