PM Modi visited Varanasi for inaugurating the Prayagraj section of National Highway-19 and not solely for attending the light show.
PM was in Varanasi to inaugurate the six-lane widening project of the Varanasi - Prayagraj section of National Highway (NH-19). While addressing the crowd, the Prime Minister remarked that the farmers would benefit greatly when modern connectivity expands in the area. He said, over the years, efforts have been made to create infrastructure like cold storage along with modern roads in the villages. A fund of 1 lakh crore rupees has also been created for this.
According to a release shared on PM Modi’s official website, the Prime Minister also cited an example of how the farmers are benefiting from the government's efforts and modern infrastructure. He said, ‘black rice was introduced two years ago in Chandauli to increase the farmers' income. Last year, a farmer committee was formed, and around 400 farmers were given this rice to grow in the Kharif season. While normal rice sells for Rs 35-40 a kg, this black rice was sold for up to 300 a kg. For the first time, this rice has been exported to Australia, that too at the rate of around Rs. 800 per kg’.
PM’s visit came at a time when hundreds of thousands of farmers were marching towards the national capital and protesting against the farm laws that were passed in Sept. The farmers have been carrying ration and essentials enough to sustain for 3-4months. They have been facing tear gas, sticks, and water cannons from the police, attempting to stop the farmers from entering Delhi.
However, since PM Modi’s visit to Varanasi was for the inaugurating developmental project. The light show was a small part of it. It would be very misleading to say that he enjoyed the light show while the farmers were protesting in Delhi.
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