Varanasi to be 'model city' with ancient spiritual ethos: Amit Shah

Varanasi, Aug 20: The ancient temple town of Kashi will be modified into a 'model city' while maintaining its centuries-old spiritual backdrop, BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday.

"BJP has pledged to make this city a 'model' smart city and we will do it without denting its ancient spiritual values," Shah said after inaugurating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary office here. He, however, said this aim cannot be achieved without the support of local people, who must ensure cleanliness is maintained in the temple town.

"A change here can not be made without the cooperation of the people and the maintenance, specially of religious spots will be achieved through public participation," Shah said.

While addressing BJP workers here, Shah said the parliamentary office of the Prime Minister, who is a Member of Parliament from Varanasi constituency, will act as a bridge between Modi and people here to help "solve problems of those who are suppressed and belong to lower strata of society."

"It will act as a bridge between Narendra Modi and people here in solving their problems, This office will act as a bridge between 'development of Benaras' and Prime Minister's Office (PMO)," he said.

Shah inaugurated the office premises in 'Ram Bhavan' building in Ravindrapuri area of the city. Lauding the Prime Minister as an able administrator and leader, the BJP president said Modi was made Gujarat Chief Minster after he was elected as Maninagar MLA for the first time. Similarly, Modi was selected the Prime Minister after he became an MP for the first time.

"The development graph of Maninagar (in Gujarat) can be witnessed from before Narendra Modi was elected MLA from there and afterwards, the same way people will be able to see the development of Kashi after five years," Shah said.

The BJP President said Modi held a meeting in Delhi with local MLAs of Varanasi to discuss and create a blueprint of development of the temple town few days ago.

PTI