Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that “Maa Ganga” had adopted him and that the “mandate” of the 2024 Lok Sabha election was “unprecedented”. PM Modi’s comments were made as part of a speech of the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Mr. Modi, who was on his first visit of the Varanasi constituency which re-elected him to the Lok Sabha for a third consecutive time, released a sum of ₹20,000 crores for over 9.26 crore farmers.
Addressing the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan said that mother Ganga has now adopted him, adding the mandate given by voters in 2024 Lok Sabha election is truly unprecedented.
“It is very rare in democratic countries for governments to be elected for a third consecutive time but the people of India made this happen. In India, it happened 60 years ago,” PM Modi said. “I consider farmers, women, the youth and the poor strong pillars of Viksit Bharat; as such the first decision is for the farmers and the poor,” he added.
The event was virtually attended by more than 25 million farmers from 732 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 50,000 Common Service Centres, and roughly 1,00,000 Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies. “The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, with ₹3.25 lakh crore deposited into the bank accounts of millions of farmer families across the country. In Varanasi alone, ₹700 crore has been deposited in farmers’ accounts. I am pleased that technology has been effectively utilized to ensure benefits reach the right beneficiaries in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to the voters of Varanasi, Mr. Modi said with the love received from Kashi is immense. “With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath and Maa Ganga, and the immense love of the people of Kashi, I have got the privilege of becoming the country’s ‘pradhan sevak’ for the third time. Now, it seems as if Maa Ganga has adopted me,” the PM said.
Mr. Modi stressed that the agriculture sector will play an important role in making India world’s third-largest economic power. “Agricultural sector is key for India’s growth story. With the trust of farmers, we will reach new heights. Your trust inspires me to work hard for your service. I will make every effort to fulfil your dreams. I considered farmers, women, poor and youth as the strong pillars of developed India. I have started my third term with and for their upliftment,” he said.
Mr. Modi, on his first Varanasi visit was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, and U.P. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak.
On the occasion, Mr. Adityanath hailed the leadership of PM Modi, adding whenever he visits Varanasi, he gives something big to the country and the world. “We witnessed an unprecedented election, where respected Modiji returned back to power. Under his leadership India’s power and capability on the global stage increased manifold. The leadership of Modiji is accepted and hailed across the world,” said the U.P. CM.
