PM Modi Kicks Off Kashi Visit with Mega Women's Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi Tuesday afternoon for a two-day stay, set to address thousands of women at 4 pm while launching projects worth over ₹6,300 crore, marking his 54th trip to the temple city in 11 years.

Warm Guest House Welcome

Prime Minister Modi touched down at Varanasi airport around 1:40 pm, chopper straight to Bareka Guest House from there. Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted him on arrival, along with a quick lunch and chats with party leaders. Local traffic in Lahurabir got halted briefly earlier as top BJP figures rolled in, barricades up and crowds held back.

Women's Rally Gathers Steam

By 4 pm, Modi heads to BLW Ground for the big women's public meeting, expecting 25,000 to 40,000 attendees—44 women on stage alone. Initial reports point to discussions around the stalled Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Act, with the PM likely seeking input from the crowd. BJP sources say he'll highlight women's issues amid Bengal polls buzz, where local Bengali women blew conch shells at Chausathi Ghat this morning in celebration of their side's expected wins.

₹6,332 Cr Projects Lineup

Key moment: foundation stones and inaugurations for 163 development works totaling ₹6,332 crore. Standouts include the Signature Bridge and a super speciality hospital upgrade at Kabirchaura Divisional Hospital, plus UP's first Sowa-Rigpa herbal treatment center. Officials note these push infrastructure and health access in Kashi, with more details during the rally speech.

BJP Brass in Full Force

BJP national president Nitin Nabin landed too, post-Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple around 2:55 pm—"Har Har Mahadev" chants echoing as Yogi, deputies Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, plus state chief Pankaj Chaudhary joined. Nabin's now at Hotel Rivatas for leader huddles. Deputy CMs and others like MoS Ravindra Jaiswal are on ground, city spruced up with five welcome points marked out.

Kashi's Familiar PM Pulse

This marks Modi's first 2026 Varanasi swing, last one November 2025. The city's decked in festivity despite heatwave grip—temps crossed 42°C lately, though slight relief eyed post-April 28. Ground reports show smooth chopper hops from airport to helipad, then rally site, with party workers managing the buzz.

Beyond the Main Event

Preparations ran smooth Tuesday morning, Pankaj Chaudhary at the airport early. Bengali women's Ghat event added cultural flavor, conches and slogans for Bengal election hopes. Varanasi's alive with security and anticipation, tying into broader UP momentum like recent women's Jan Akrosh rallies CM Yogi joined.

Forward, Modi's itinerary hints at temple visits and more local engagements Wednesday, as Kashi watches its MP deliver on promises amid sweltering April days.