Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first phase of the ₹ 339 crore Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project that connects the temple town's two iconic landmarks - Kashi Vishwanath temple and Ganga ghats. PM is in Varanasi for two days with a packed schedule.
The Prime Minister's holy dip in Ganga, offering of prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, and accepting a pagdi (headgear) from a common man - were some of the key moments this morning that preceded the big event.
Twenty-three buildings were be inaugurated in this phase of the project - spread over a massive area of almost five lakh square feet. In comparison, the previous premises were spread across 3,000 square feet.
With Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh around the corner, the event saw the ruling BJP raise the poll pitch and showcase it as one of its key achievements. Top party leaders and Chief Ministers of all BJP-ruled states were called in for a show of strength.