We Stand by Decision on Article 370, CAA: PM Modi in Varanasi

PM Modi also asserted that the trust set up for construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will work rapidly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets people at the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations of Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Math in Varanasi, Sunday, 16 February. 

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 16 February, said his government stands by the abrogation Article 370 and the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, despite the pressure, PTI reported.

“Be it the decision on Article 370 or the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, it was necessary in the interest of the country. Despite pressure, we stand by our decision and will remain so,” he said.

Modi was addressing a public meeting in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency.

‘Ram Temple Trust Will Work Rapidly’

During his address, PM Modi asserted that the trust set up for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya will work rapidly, according to PTI.

“A trust has been formed for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This trust will work rapidly.”

Narendra Modi

The Union government recently set up Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra after the Supreme Court directed it to form a trust to oversee the construction and management of the temple, in its landmark verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case in November 2019.

PM Launches 50 Projects Worth Rs 1,254 Cr

PM Modi, during his day-long visit, launched and laid the foundation of 50 projects worth Rs 1,254 crore in his Lok Sabha constituency, PTI reported.

He also flagged off the IRCTC's 'Maha Kaal Express' through video link, which will be the first overnight private train in the country to connect three Jyotirling pilgrim centres of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Ujjain and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh.

“Today when we talk about USD 5 trillion economy in India, tourism is an integral part of it. Besides nature, heritage tourism has a strong role to play in achieving the goal. Also, along with Varanasi other holy sites are being developed using new technologies,” he said, according to ANI.

The prime minister dedicated to the nation the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre and unveiled a 63-feet tall statue of the RSS ideologue – the tallest statue of the leader in the country.

Earlier during the day, he participated in the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of the Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul and released the translated version of the Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages and its mobile application, the news agency reported.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minster Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were present on the occasion.

Modi also inaugurated a 430-bed super-speciality government hospital in the city.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)