'Like That Of A Son With Mother': PM Modi, Tears In Eyes, On Special Bond With Varanasi | Times Now Exclusive

times now exclusive: pm narendra modi, tears in eyes, on special bond with varanasi: like that of a son with mother

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he shares an emotional bond with Varanasi, a relationship as sacred as that of a mother with son, as he spoke about his parliamentary constituency in an exclusive interview with Times Group Editor-In-Chief Navika Kumar amid his hectic electoral campaign for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. “My bond with Kashi (Varanasi) has become so strong in these 10 years that now I address it as “meri Kashi”,”‘ he said sharing his bond with the holy town.

The relation, PM Modi said, is not what a public representative enjoys with his constituency but a “special connection” that he enjoys with the constituency.

“Like the bond a mother has with her son, the same connection I have with Kashi,” PM said, controlling tears as he got emotional while talking about his special bond with Varanasi.

“I have a special bond with Varanasi. When I went to Kashi in 2014, my candidature was decided at the last moment, so after the nomination procedure, when the people from the media spoke to me, I casually said, I admit that at that time, I was not prepared. I said that I didn’t come here, no one sent me here, I am here because Maa Ganga asked me to come. Today, after 10 years, I can say that…. (long pause) Maa Ganga has adopted me,” PM Modi said as he choked back tears.

In his 10 years as MP of Varanasi, PM Modi has carried out several projects worth thousands of crore for the development of the constituency helping it emerge as a model of heritage and development. These include several projects for the beautification of Varanasi, including rejuvenation projects of ponds and redevelopment of parks and a project for the design and development of a 3-D urban digital map and database. PM Modi has also inaugurated projects for spiritual journeys and the redevelopment of public facilities in the constituency.

Speaking on the development in the constituency, PM Modi said: “A public representative has a duty towards his constituency. I have no words to express the love and affection shown by the people of Varanasi,” he said.

During the expansive interview, PM Modi spoke on key issues in this elections, ranging from reservation policies to the ‘Muslim League’ tag on Congress. He also addressed pressing issues raised in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, economic challenges, inflation, securing a record third win for his party, and his agenda for the first 100 days if voted back to power.

The 80-minute-long interview also saw PM Modi sharing his insights and perspectives on subjects like relations with Pakistan, the Uniform Civil Code, and ensuring women’s safety.

PM Modi’s Lok Sabha Campaigns So Far

PM Modi has covered extensive ground from Jammu in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south in his relentless efforts to secure a resounding victory, epitomized by the slogan ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’, envisioning a 400-seat triumph.

In his election campaigns, he covered contentious issues, igniting intense debates between the ruling party and the Opposition. Discussions revolve around topics like reservation for Muslims, wealth redistribution, inheritance tax, and women’s safety.

The prime minister said the manifesto of the opposition reflects Muslim League’s thinking. He also alleged that the INDIA bloc has an eye on the people’s property.

Amid the political heat, a recent sex tape scandal involving a prominent JDS leader, a key BJP ally in Karnataka, has further put the BJP on the backfoot. With HD Revanna in custody and his son Prajwal Revanna evading authorities in Germany, the situation remains volatile in the state.

PM Modi’s impassioned addresses on these subjects have triggered strong reactions from the Opposition, prompting numerous complaints and calls for action.

Nevertheless, undeterred by the challenges, PM Modi remains focused on his vision for ‘New India’ which resonates with the BJP’s philosophy of “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas”. He aims to elevate India to the status of the third-most developed country during his third term and aspires to send an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040.

The general elections are being conducted in seven phases over six weeks from April 19 to June 1.

A third of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats have completed polling in the two phases of the Lok Sabha elections till now.

Phase 3 of voting is scheduled for May 7, followed by phase 4 on May 13, phase 5 on May 20, phase 6 on May 25, and phase 7 on June 1.