Kashi has received various projects worth Rs 2,100 crore, says PM Modi in Varanasi | Top highlights

With the crucial assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh just around the corner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited his Lok Sabha constituency. He launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress as he addressed a gathering.

This is PM Modi’s first tour of his parliamentary constituency since demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, that has drawn much flak from the opposition as the shortage of currency caused inconvenience to traders, salaried groups, artisans and unskilled daily wage earners alike.

Here are the LIVE updates:

Highlights of PM Modi's speech at the launch of development works in Varanasi:

#I would like to congratulate Textile Minister Smriti Irani for making this happen in such a short span of time

#Today, Kashi is receiving various projects worth Rs 2100 crore

#This land of Kashi is of spiritual importance and has tremendous tourism potential. It is also a trade centre

#Weavers will be given identity cards

#Priority will be given to the poor in Cancer hospital

#If someone is suffering from cancer, why should one go far for treatment. We decided a cancer research institute should come up here

Highlights of PM Modi's speech during the launch of a cancer hospital in his constituency Varanasi:

#Some people (Rahul Gandhi) are learning to speak

#No chance of earthquake now that he (Rahul Gandhi) has spoken

#Our army makes us proud but some people have questions even on their bravery. Is it good to view institutions like this

#Desh ki Sena ke Jawan maut ko mutthi me lekar Pakistan ko jaate hain aur zinda laut ke aate hain. Kuch logo ko ispr bhi pareshani hogayi

#Naa bolte toh bada bhukamp aajata, aur desh ko kitna bada bhukamp jhelna padta ki desh 10 saal tak ubhar na pata

#Ek yuva neta hain, abhi bhaashan seekh rahe hain. Jab se unhone bolna seekha hai, meri khushi ka koi paar nahin

#We didn't know what is inside this packet (Rahul Gandhi) in 2009, we now know it very well what is inside it

ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi is 'pure like Ganga', says BJP on Rahul Gandhi's allegations of corruption

#Ab mujhe batao ye wo apna report card de rahe hain ya mera de rahe hain. Ye 50% gareebi, viraasat kiski jhel raha hoon main?

#Unhone (Manmohan Singh) kaha ki "jis desh mein 50% log gareeb ho, wahan ye technology wagera kaise ho sakta hai"?

#I have faith in strength of 125 crore Indians. People of India are selfless. Blessings of people are like blessings of Almighty:

#Notes ban is a big cleanliness drive

#But the opposition is siding with corruption. I had never thought some political leaders would have the audacity to stand with the corrupt

#People are supporting our drive

ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi says Narendra Modi received Rs 40 crore from Sahara before becoming Prime Minister

#A big 'safai abhiyan' is going on in the country, PM Modi on demonetisation

#We have a lot of human resource capability in India

#Doctor ka kaam ab dheere dheere kam ho raha hai, technology ka kaam badhte ja raha hai

#We thought, why not have a cancer research institute here itself. Why should patients from here have to travel far for cancer treatment

#Today so many development works will be inaugurated during my Varanasi visit

#Arts and culture have a paramount place in our society

#I am thankful to Banaras Hindu University for providing land for the construction of Cancer centre, says PM Modi

#PM Modi speaks at foundation stone laying ceremony of Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre in Varanasi

#PM Modi lays foundation stone of Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre in Varanasi

PM Modi arrives in Varanasi, will also interact with booth level BJP Karyakartas working in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat pic.twitter.com/Vf6XkvvMmW

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 22, 2016

#PM Modi arrives in Varanasi, will inaugurate a Trade Facilitation Centre & Crafts Museum & launch schemes, programmes of Textiles Ministry

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Security arrangements ahead of PM Modi's Varanasi visit. pic.twitter.com/7wj3vbSvWB

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 22, 2016

(With inputs from agencies)