8 striking photos, videos to sum up PM Modi's Varanasi visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Varanasi to inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project has grabbed many eyeballs. From showering petals on the construction workers to donning a turban gifted by a Varanasi local, the Prime Minister ensured that his visit to his Lok Sabha constituency a few weeks before the UP assembly elections was a historic, unforgettable one. The visit was also replete with political statements; from breaking bread with the contruction workers, to that dip in the freezing waters of the Ganga.
Here are 8 striking moments from his Varanasi visit, captured on camera:
1. PM MODI MEETS CONTRUCTION WORKERS
2. PM MODI SHOWERS PETALS ON CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
Photo: PTI
3. PM MODI HAS FOOD WITH CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
Photo: PTI
All through Day 1 of his visit, the Prime Minister ensured that the focus was on his interaction with the construction workers who made the temple corridor reality.
"Behind the success of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham project is the hard work of countless individuals. During today's programme I had the opportunity to honour them and have lunch with them. My Pranams to these proud children of Bharat Mata!" wrote the PM in a tweet.
4. MODI TAKES A DIP IN GANGA
PM Modi also took a dip in the freezing waters of the Ganga, even as thousands of people watched from the banks of the river. Clad in saffron, the Prime Minister offered his prayers.
5. PM MODI WEARS A TURBAN GIFTED BY HIS SUPPORTER
On his way to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, the Prime Minister was welcomed by a local with a turban. PM Modi accepted the gift, and wore the turban.
6. PM MODI DITCHES HIS CHAIR TO SIT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
During the inauguration ceremony, the PM ditched his chair to sit on the stairs with the construction workers, a political statement that is sure to send out a signal.
7. UP CM YOGI ADITYANATH PRESENTS A MODEL OF KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Photo: PTI
8. THE PM INAUGURATES PHASE 1 OF KASHI VISHWANATH DHAM PROJECT
The PM inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi today. Phase 1 is estimated to cost Rs 339 crore.