Governance is not about politics for us, PM Modi tells farmers in Varanasi

PM Modi laid the foundation for a toilet as part of a Swachhta programme in Shahanshahpur

Governance for us is not about politics or winning elections, our priority is the well-being of the nation, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday while addressing farmers in Shahanshahpur in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

Doubling farmers' income was an area where significant work was being done, said the PM, adding that schemes like soil health card were benefiting farmers. 

PM Modi also said that 'Swachhta' (cleanliness) had to become 'Swabhav' (nature) and that it is our collective responsibility. "A cleaner India will also be a healthier India," PM Modi added. 

The address would take place at Shahanshahpur in Varanasi. Ahead of the address, Doordarshan News reported that the PM inaugurated the Pashu Arogya Mela (animal welfare fair) for the health of farm animals. 

#Varanasi: PM @narendramodi inaugurates Pashu Arogya Mela in Shahanshahpur pic.twitter.com/275tZe4G5X

— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) September 23, 2017

PM Narendra Modi at Pashu Arogya Mela in Shahanshahpur, #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/OPJGohS2Kz

— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) September 23, 2017

According to the BJP's official handle, the PM also distributed certificates to Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna beneficiaries before addressing the gathering in Shahanshahpur.

#Varanasi: PM @narendramodi distributes certificates to beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana pic.twitter.com/NAqpmVnnxO

— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) September 23, 2017

PM Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a toilet under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Shahanshahpur village of Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Minister of State for Rural Development Mahendra Singh and BJP State Unit President Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present during the function. 

#Varanasi: PM @narendramodi lays foundation for toilet as part of the #swachhta program in Shahanshahpur#SwachhBharatAbhiyan pic.twitter.com/p2p4zlU5jm

— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) September 23, 2017

On Friday, PM Modi inaugurated a direct train service to Vadodara, and also unveiled the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul and the Mahamana Express. This train will connect Varanasi with Surat and Vadodara in Gujarat.