My dream is to develop 'Poorvanchal': Modi

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said development of Poorvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh) has been his "dream", and criticised successive state governments for not doing anything to develop the region. Live updates of Narendra Modi's speech:

• We wanted to build a ring road but the state government did not cooperate and kept obstructing that. They did not cooperate: PM
• I have inherited nothing. Whatever I have got is from the people of Kashi: PM
• It is sad that driven by politics, some people wanted proof of surgical strikes & were asking did any Indian soldier die: PM
• Earlier the question being asked would be- what money was lost (in the scams), now the question is- Modi Ji what has come back: PM
• Shouldn't corruption come to an end? Its been so many years since we attained freedom but a small section misused their power & position: PM
• This land of Uttar Pradesh, this part of the state is blessed with very talented people. The potential for development is immense: PM
• The eastern part of India has to scale new heights of development: PM
• Our mantra is 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' but SP, BSP & Congress believes in 'Kuch Ka Sath, Kuch Ka Hi Vikas': PM
• The eastern part of India has to scale new heights of development: PM
• Our aim is of a Benaras that is modern yet retains its heritage: PM
• "Earlier governments did only tidbits (of development work) for Banaras with an eye on short-term electoral gains. But these tidbits won't help Banaras. The city needs a complete, modern makeover and it is my dream to turn this city into a modern world-class city," said Modi, addressing a huge gathering at Mahatma Gandhi
• I do not know how to thank people of Kashi. This love & affection inspires me to serve people more: PM
• PM quotes Mark Twain, says "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition".
• PM Modi addressing a rally at Kashi Vidyapith
• PM Modi's roadshow reaches conclusion point of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, where he will address rally shortly
• PM Modi's road show reaches Maldahiya chowk
• Thousands of supporters thronged the route along which Modi went. Carrying BJP flags and shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi', they waved at Modi, who acknowledged their greetings and waved back at them.

• Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi's road show reaches Teliyabag, amid chants of "Modi-Modi

Day 2 of PM Modi's road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi; crowd at Pandeypur Chauraha shouts "Modi-Modi" & "Vande Matram" pic.twitter.com/aVH0Yi37HZ

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

• PM begins his roadshow amid chants of 'Modi-Modi'
• The Prime Minister first flew from the airport to the Police Lines in a special Indian Air Force chopper. A number of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders greeted Modi at the helipad and presented him bouquets.

• Huge crowds flood streets of Varanasi
• Prime Minister reaches Babatput Airport
• Traversing through localities like Pandeypur Chauraha, Hukulganj, Chaukaghat and Teliyabagh, he will reach Kashi Vidyapeeth premises where his 'Parivartan Sankalp' (pledge for change) rally is scheduled at 6.30 PM.
• Modi had hit the campaign trail here yesterday with an impromptu roadshow while he was on his way to two of the ancient city's most revered temples in the morning. He also held a public meeting late in the evening and later left the city.
• The opposition had criticised yesterday's roadshow and the Congress even lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that the show of strength was made without the requisite permission.

He will return to his parliamentary constituency this afternoon for a two-day visit, with less than 48 hours to go before the campaign for Uttar Pradesh Assembly poll's final phase comes to an end. Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters, "We were enthralled by the massive crowds that came out yesterday to greet the PM as he travelled several kilometres in an open jeep." He said the turnout was even greater than what was witnessed when Modi had come to the city to file his nomination papers during the 2014 general elections. "We know that when the PM is among his people, they expect him to provide inspiration through his unparalleled oratory. So today his vehicle is likely to be fitted with a mike so that the people of Kashi get to hear their leader speak," Goyal, a senior BJP leader, said. After the rally, Modi will leave for the Diesel Locomotive Works guest house where he will stay the night. Before retiring for the day, the Prime Minister will interact with nearly 2,000 prominent citizens drawn from various walks of life at the DLW premises. Tomorrow morning, Modi is expected to visit Ramnagar town across the Ganga and garland a statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who had spent his early childhood there. Modi is likely to sign off his campaign trail with a huge rally at Rohaniya, a predominantly rural Assembly segment on the outskirts of the city, before boarding his return flight.