Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags Off Kashi Mahakaal Express

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Kashi Mahakaal express linking the three holy centres of Hindus, Varanasi, Ujjain and Omkareshwar. He observed that the NDA government would develop religious tourism in a big way. A Trust had been formed for a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya, PM Modi said.

PM Modi also inaugurated the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Memorial in Varanasi and described the place as a symbol of sacrifice. PM Modi unveiled 63 feet tall statue of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and dedicated it to the nation. A short film on the life of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya was also screened on the occasion.

PM Modi pointed out that Pandit Deen Dayal dreamt of Antyodaya always thought of improving the state of the last man on the social ladder. The NDA government's welfare driven governance moved in this direction, he said.

PM Modi greeted the large gathering on the occasion of the upcoming festivals of Holi and Shivratri.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath hailed PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 which was unthinkable all these years, as also the formation of Ram Mandir trust at Ayodhya and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The UP chief minister said that PM Modi is fulfilling Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya's dreams through welfare governance straddling all areas.

UP Governor, Anandiben Patel Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Chandauli, Mahendranath Pandey Dy chief minister KP Maurya were also present on the occasion.

PM Modi on Sunday attended the 100th anniversary of the Vishwaradhya Gurukul at the Jangamwadi Math in Varanasi at which he emphasised the importance of duty in fighting corruption and evil. As per Hindu scriptures, dharma defines duty, he added. The Prime Minister also stressed upon the need to instil compassion particularly in the young.