Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the work of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for successfully handling the second wave of Covid-19.

While inaugurating developmental projects in Varanasi, worth Rs. 1500 crore, here on Wednesday, Mr. Modi praised the work of the Yogi government, saying that Uttar Pradesh has carried out a maximum number of testings, because of UP government efforts, the number of Covid cases reduced, PM Modi said.

It was stated that both Modi and Yogi were at loggerheads regarding the inclusion of Modi's trusted loyalist to his cabinet. However, BJP central leadership has doused the differences after series of parlays in Lucknow in the last month. 

Mr. Modi speaking about the UP government’s efforts for development in Kashi, PM Modi said, "Kashi is becoming a large medical hub of Purvanchal. Treatments of diseases that were available in Delhi and Mumbai are now available in the city”, Prime Minister said. 

Referring to tourism development in Varanasi, the city will witness a massive boost in the tourism sector as ro-ro vessels facilities begin today. “Our boatmen are providing better amenities, while diesel boats are being converted into CNG. This will bring down their expenses, benefit the environment and attract the tourists.”

The prime minister pointed out government efforts to develop Agri sectors. He said that the decision to empower agriculture infrastructure with setting up rupees 1 lakh crore special fund for the modern agriculture infrastructure. The developments will be benefited to agriculture mandis, and this a major step towards making the nation’s mandi system modern, he said. 

Praising the administration of the Yogi Adityanath government, Mr. Modi said that, UP government is quickly moving forward in making the state as modern Uttar Pradesh as there is the rule of law in the state today. ‘Mafia Raj and terrorism’ have been brought under control, he added. 

Projects worth around Rs 744 crore has been inaugurated, he laid foundation stones of several projects and public works worth around Rs 839 crore in Varanasi. These include the Centre for Skill and Technical Support of Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET), 143 rural projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission and mango and vegetable integrated packhouse in Karkhiyaon.

Rudraksh Convention centre 

Prime Minister has inaugurated Cooperation and Convention Centre's (VCC), 'Rudraksh', in Varanasi. the convention centre aims to offer a glimpse of the cultural richness of the ancient city of Kashi. Sources said that 108 Rudraksha will be installed at the convention centre and its roof is shaped like a Shiva Linga.

The two-story convention centre has been built in Sigra area on 2.87 hectares of land and has a seating capacity of 1,200 people.

The officials said the project aims to provide opportunities for social and cultural interactions between people at the international convention centre in Varanasi. This is expected to strengthen the city's competitiveness by developing its tourism sector.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency-assisted Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre's (VCC).