Varanasi, Aug. 3 -- Amid the ongoing tariff war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of "swadeshi" and support locally-made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods, especially amid "global economic uncertainties". He also invoked Lord Shiva's 'Rudra roop' (fierce form) to describe India's resolute action against terrorism, saying Operation Sindoor showcased the country's strength to the world and delivered a clear message that anyone who dares attack India will not be spared, not even in 'Pataal Lok'. He dedicated the success of the operation "at the feet of Mahadev". He was addressing a public meeting in Banauli village of Sewapuri area of his parliamentary constituency Varanasi where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth around Rs 2,200 crore. He also distributed the 20th installment of the PM KISAN Samman Nidhi worth Rs 20,500 crore to over 9.70 crore eligible farmers nationwide. "India is going to become the third largest economy in the world. It has to be vigilant about its economic interests. Welfare of farmers and small industries is paramount and the government is making every possible effort in this direction," he asserted. "Varanasi is a city of intellectuals", Modi said, adding, "Today when we are discussing economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the prevailing global conditions. The global economy is currently facing multiple uncertainties and an atmosphere of instability and is surrounded by many apprehensions." Emphasising that farmers, small industries, and employment for youth are the top-most priorities for the government, Modi said, "The government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities." Calling for a national movement to support local products, the prime minister said, "This is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this -- if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation's interest and awaken the spirit of swadeshi among the people." He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, "Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves -- has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'." Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the prime minister said, "At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country." With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the prime minister encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India. He recalled how many citizens changed their wedding plans from abroad to India after his earlier appeal. "The feeling of swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India," Modi said. The PM also said, "I have come to Kashi for the first time after Operation Sindoor." The prime minister accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the valour of the armed forces and even terming 'Operation Sindoor' a "tamasha" (spectacle). "Can 'Sindoor' ever be a joke? They dared to insult the sacred mark of our sisters and the valour of our soldiers," he said. "My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack ... My promise to avenge 'Sindoor' of our daughters was fulfilled with blessings of Mahadev," he said, adding, "I dedicate the success of the operation at the feet of Mahadev." The prime minister stressed that the "unity of 140 crore countrymen" became the "strength of Operation Sindoor". "Shiva means welfare, but when terrorism and injustice raise their ugly head, Mahadev takes his 'Rudra roop'. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed this very form of India," the prime minister said, warning that "whoever attacks India will not survive, even in Pataal Lok (netherworld)". Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi alleged that while the country was celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, "some people in our own country were troubled by it". "Congress and its allies are unable to digest the fact that India demolished terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan," he said. "Aren't you proud of Operation Sindoor? Aren't you proud that India destroyed terror bases (in Pakistan and PoK)?" the prime minister asked the gathering. He added, "You all must have seen the visuals of how our drones and missiles precisely struck and reduced terrorist headquarters to rubble. "Several air bases in Pakistan are still in ICU. While Pakistan's anguish is understandable, what's shocking is that Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders are also unable to cope with it." Modi also attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) for questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev, in which three Pahalgam attack terrorists were killed. "One of their leaders asked in Parliament -- 'why were the attackers of Pahalgam killed now'. Should I call and ask Samajwadi leaders whether to strike now or later? Should we wait and let the terrorists escape?" Modi asked. "These are the same people who, during their rule in Uttar Pradesh, gave clean chits to terrorists and withdrew cases against those involved in bomb blasts," Modi claimed, adding that such parties are now disturbed because terrorists are being eliminated. "This is 'Naya Bharat' (New India), which worships Lord Shiva but turns Kaal Bhairav against its enemies when needed," the prime minister said. Modi stressed that Operation Sindoor has demonstrated India's indigenous defence capabilities to the world. "The power of our locally developed missiles, drones and air defence systems was on full display (during Operation Sindoor). Our BrahMos missile instilled such fear in the enemy that people in Pakistan can't sleep peacefully even in their dreams." Expressing pride as an MP from Uttar Pradesh, the PM announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. The BrahMos unit in Lucknow was inaugurated on May 11. "Weapons made in the UP Defence Corridor will become the backbone of India's military strength," he said, asking the crowd if they felt proud of India's self-reliant defence capabilities. Issuing a stern warning, he declared, "If Pakistan dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists." Launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Operation Sindoor showcased calibrated, tri-services action targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan. Modi expressed heartfelt sentiments on meeting families from Varanasi during the auspicious month of Sawan. Highlighting his deep emotional connection with the people of the city, he extended his greetings to every family member of Kashi. He also expressed satisfaction at connecting with the farmers from across the country through videoconference. He shared that in recent days he had been observing divine images of Shiva devotees in Varanasi carrying Gangajal, especially on the first Monday of Sawan, when the pilgrims set out to perform the sacred Jalabhishek of Baba Vishwanath. "I had a deep desire to visit Baba Vishwanath and Markandeya Mahadev during the holy month of Sawan," he said. However, he noted that his presence could cause inconvenience to Mahadev's devotees or disrupt their darshan, hence he was offering his salutations to Lord Bholenath and Maa Ganga from here only. Recalling his visit a few days ago to the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu, Modi noted that this temple was built by the renowned king Rajendra Chola, who had brought Gangajal from North India to symbolically unite the North and South. He highlighted that a thousand years ago, through his devotion to Lord Shiva and commitment to Shaivite tradition, Rajendra Chola had proclaimed the vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." He said that during his recent visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, he had carried Gangajal with him, and with the blessings of Maa Ganga, the puja was conducted in a deeply sacred atmosphere. He stated that such eventful occasions ignite the spirit of unity in the country, leading to success of missions like Operation Sindoor. Modi said that with Baba's blessings, the uninterrupted stream of development continues to flow in Varanasi. He said when the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi was launched in 2019, anti -development parties like the SP and Congress were spreading various rumors, while some claimed that the payments would stop after elections and few others suggested that the money being transferred would be taken back. Modi asked whether even a single installment had ever been stopped, and asserted that the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has continued without interruption. Till date, he mentioned that Rs.3.75 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers' accounts. In Uttar Pradesh alone, around 2.5 crore farmers have benefited, receiving over Rs.90,000 crore under the scheme. Farmers in Varanasi have received nearly Rs.900 crore, he added. Reiterating the development mantra, "jo jitna pichhra, use utnahi zyada prathamikta (the more backward one is, the higher the priority that one receives)," Modi announced that earlier this month, the central government approved a major new initiative-the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana. He informed that Rs.24,000 crore will be allocated for this scheme. The prime minister emphasized that the focus of this initiative will be on districts that were left behind due to flawed policies of previous governments-areas with low agricultural output and where farmers' incomes remain limited. Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will directly benefit millions of farmers in Uttar Pradesh as well. "Our government is working with full strength to transform the lives of farmers, increase their income, and reduce the cost of cultivation, We stand firmly with farmers from seed to market," he said , highlighting that to ensure water reaches the fields, irrigation schemes worth lakhs of crores of rupees are being implemented across the country. He acknowledged that weather has always posed a major challenge for farmers-be it excessive rainfall, hailstorms, or frost. To protect farmers from such uncertainties, the government launched the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. He informed that under this scheme, farmers have received claim settlements amounting to over Rs.1.75 lakh crore so far. Affirming that the government is committed to ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce, the prime minister stated that record increases have been made in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, including key staples like rice and wheat. Emphasising the government's focus on increasing women's participation in the agricultural economy, Modi highlighted the "Lakhpati Didi" campaign, with a target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis across India. He said that listening to this figure the people of the SaPa (SP) will run away riding their cycles. Modi said that over 1.5 crore women have already achieved this milestone. He also mentioned that the government's "Drone Didi" initiative has significantly boosted the income of lakhs of women. He said, "Under the Jan Dhan Yojana, 55 crore bank accounts have been opened for the poor across the country". He informed that the scheme recently completed ten years and as per regulations, bank accounts require fresh KYC verification after ten years. He added that to fulfill this requirement, a nationwide campaign has been launched from July 1, 2025. He appealed to every individual who holds a Jan Dhan account to ensure they complete their KYC process without delay. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, both his deputies-Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak-along with several ministers, public representatives, and BJP's state unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present at the event. Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the event virtually from Patna. According to Dilip Patel, head of the BJP's Kashi region unit, this marks PM Modi's 51st visit to his parliamentary constituency....