Narendra Modi in Varanasi: PM offers prayers at Tulsi temple, releases postal stamps on Ramayana

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, during which he is expected to inaugurate several infrastructure projects and address public meetings.

He was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state Governor Ram Naik at the airport.

Here are the latest updates: 

Stamps are a wonderful way to preserve history, they have a special place in society: PM Modi in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/iYBFrCIVil — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 22, 2017

- PM Narendra Modi launched a postage stamp based on 'Ramayana' in Varanasi

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik visits Tulsi Manas temple in Varanasi, offers prayers

PM Modi, UP Governor Ram Naik and UP CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Tulsi Manas temple in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/hAxlRhIOi8 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 22, 2017

- PM Modi will visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and release a postal stamp on Ramayana.

- Projects worth over Rs. 1,000 crore are either being inaugurated or their foundation stones are being laid. I compliment the Uttar Pradesh Government for their focus on the development of the state and the attention to eastern UP. The projects that we plan to do are inaugurated by us only: PM Modi

 PM Modi lauds UP CM Yogi Adityanath for taking up projects that had been delayed.

- PM Modi says that the government has set the ball rolling for projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore, today.

- All our schemes have been prepared keeping in mind the empowerment of all sections of the society. Today the country is progressing rapidly. The country is moving ahead with the development of poor and middle-class people: PM Modi

- In Pics: PM flags off Mahamana Express, inaugurates Rs 1000-cr projects in Varanasi

- PM Modi addresses gathering: 

We are working towards an overall development of Uttar Pradesh. I thank UP CM Yogi Adityanath from the bottom of my heart for initiating so many development projects in the state, ever since he assumed office six years ago.

I fought the Lok Sabha elections from both Baroda and Varanasi, and won both, but I chose to let go of the Baroda seat because I knew there are many people there who will take of the development. I wanted to devote my time to Varanasi.

The solution to all problems is development. Nobody wants to pass on a legacy of poverty to their kids.

I am thankful to the government of Uttar Pradesh for undertaking the numerous development projects in Varanasi. When we lay the foundation stone for a project, we are the ones who inaugurate it. Our weavers need a global market and that will enhance their economic prospects significantly.

- PM Narendra Modi launches several development projects in Varanasi. UP Governor Ram Naik and UP CM Yogi Adityanath are also present.

- PM Modi flags off the Mahamana Express Vadodara- Varanasi, through video link. PM joins Railway Minister Piyush Goyal via video link, to flag off the Mahamana Express.

PM @narendramodi Flagging Off Mahamana Express Vadodara- Varanasi, through video link https://t.co/VSaIy0qKuj — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 22, 2017

- Smriti Irani said that the Deendayal Hashtkala Sankul was built with a total amount of Rs 300 cr.

- Bada Lalpur, Varanasi: PM at newly inaugurated Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, trade facilitation centre for handicrafts. Union Minister Smriti Irani also present.

Bada Lalpur,Varanasi: PM at newly inaugurated Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, trade facilitation centre for handicrafts;Smriti Irani also present pic.twitter.com/g05U81ohDG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 22, 2017

- Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya addresses the gathering and said that Narendra Modi is the most powerful world leader. "He has worked relentlessly for the poor for past three years," he said.

Grateful thanks to Hon PM @narendramodi ji for dedicating Deendayal Hastkala Sankul to Banaras and the Nation. pic.twitter.com/JNxg172MgR — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 22, 2017

- PM Modi inaugurates Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts, in Bada Lalpur.

PM @narendramodi Flags Off Third Mahamana Express to Run between Varanasi and Vadodara pic.twitter.com/VimN2vxXw0 — PIB India (@PIB_India) September 22, 2017

- PM Narendra Modi felicitates beneficiaries of various schemes at Varanasi

PM @narendramodi felicitates beneficiaries of various schemes at Varanasi pic.twitter.com/cYxPMCvo28 — PIB India (@PIB_India) September 22, 2017

- PM Modi's address at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in Varanasi to begin shortly.

- He was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state Governor Ram Naik at the airport.

- PM Narendra Modi reached his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi at 4:10pm.