PM Modi In Varanasi: 'Avenged Pahalgam Attack With The Blessings Of Mahadev'

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his vow to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor was fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

He was addressing a rally during his visit to Varanasi on Saturday, where he launched and laid the foundation for several development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore. The Prime Minister also credited the 20th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, an amount of more than Rs 20000 crores, into the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers.

Addressing the rally, PM Modi said this was his first visit to Varanasi after Operation Sindoor. He said that he had vowed to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed.

"26 innocent lives were lost...my heart was full of pain and sorrow...I had prayed to Baba Vishwanath to give strength to the families to bear the losses...I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev. I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor to Mahadev," he said.

In a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump slapping 25% tariff plus penalty on India, PM Modi said there was an "atmosphere of global instability and all countries are focusing on their individual interests".

"India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world and that is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned... Our government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country," he said.

"Those who want the best for the country and want to see India as the third biggest economy in the world, be it any political party, should leave their differences aside and instil a resolution for 'swadeshi' products... We will buy only those things that are made by Indians... We need to become vocal for local," he added.

During operation Sindoor, the world, he said, saw the capabilities of India's indigenous weapons. Air defence systems, drones, and missiles, especially the Brahmos, proved the strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', he added.

"Brahmos Missiles will now be manufactured in Lucknow. Many major defence firms are setting up their manufacturing plants in the UP Defence Corridor. Made in India weapons will soon become the strength of our forces," the PM said.

Taking a dig at the opposition, he said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party "cannot handle the pain that Pakistan is going through".

"Pakistan is crying, and here, Congress and SP are crying, seeing the condition of terrorists. Congress, he alleged, was "constantly insulting" the valour of armed forces. "Congress has called Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha'" the PM said.

"In this politics of votebank and appeasement, Samajwadi Party is no less. Their leaders were questioning why the Pahalgam terrorists were killed on this particular day? Should I call and ask them before taking any action? Anyone with common sense should be able to answer, do we need to wait to kill terrorists? Should we have given them a chance to flee?," he added.

The development projects that PM Modi inaugurated cater to multiple sectors -- infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, urban development, and cultural heritage, among others.

On Friday, in a post on X, Modi said, "For my family members in Kashi, tomorrow, August 2, is a very special day. Around 11 in the morning, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several projects related to education, health, sports, tourism, and connectivity. On this occasion, I will also have the privilege of releasing the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN."

Security arrangements were tightened in Varanasi in view of VVIP movement in the city, with a multi-layered deployment of personnel along the routes to be taken by the prime minister, officials said.

Read More

1. 'Kashmir To Kevadia': PM Modi Praises Omar Abdullah's Gujarat Visit, Calls It A Symbol Of Unity
2. PM Modi, UAE Prez Stress On Deepening Collaboration Between Two Countries