Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth approximately ₹6350 crore during the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan' in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. Addressing a massive gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that implementing women's reservation is a primary goal of his government, and he's determined to achieve it at any cost. He described Kashi as the land of divine powers, mentioning deities like Mata Shringar Gauri, Mata Annapurna, Mata Vishalakshi, Mata Sankatha, and Maa Ganga, stating that the presence of women at the event made the occasion truly divine.
Attack on Dynastic Politics and Reservation Commitment
PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, stating that their past actions in Parliament hindered the progress of women's reservation. He asserted that dynastic and appeasement-driven parties are intimidated by the rising power of women. According to the PM, these parties don't want daughters who lead in college campuses and local bodies to enter State Assemblies and Parliament, fearing that grassroots leadership would challenge their control and authority. He assured the women present that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure they receive their rightful reservation.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and Political Opposition
The Prime Minister highlighted that the first major task undertaken in the new Parliament building was the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33 percent reservation for women. He noted that this right had been pending for 40 years and was finally moved forward in 2023. PM Modi accused parties like Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK of betraying the women of the country by stalling the legislation for decades and showing it a 'red flag' during recent parliamentary discussions, while he pointed out the record voter turnout among women in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal as a sign of punishment for anti-women political forces.
Welfare Schemes and the 'Lakhpati Didi' Milestone
Reiterating the mantra of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava,' PM Modi stated that his government's priorities include education, income, medicine, irrigation, and grievance redressal (Padhai, Kamai, Davai, Sinchai, and Sunwai). 5 crore households. Plus, tap water has reached over 12 crore homes.
Enhancing Connectivity with Amrit Bharat Express
Prior to the address, the Prime Minister flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains: Banaras-Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya-Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminal). PM Modi stated that these trains would Importantly improve connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. He congratulated the nation, noting that residents of Mumbai, Pune, and the rest of Maharashtra now have a modern and convenient option to reach Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Concluding his speech, PM Modi sought the blessings of the people as the MP of Kashi and the Prime Minister of the country to achieve the national goal of women's empowerment. He reaffirmed that the BJP-NDA government remains committed to ensuring the safety, convenience, and economic participation of women across India.
