Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the teachings of Sant Ravidas to train guns on the opposition and claimed that his government followed the doctrines of the saint in true spirit by ensuring ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as promised before 2014 elections.“Guru Ravidas wanted to see a discrimination-free society, but unfortunately it could not happen. India would have been free from atrocities committed in the name of caste if the path shown by Guru had been followed,” he said, adding, “Naya Bharat is sthiti ko badane wala hai (Our New India is going to change this situation). We will have to identify those who used and promoted caste discrimination for their own political gains.”Addressing the followers of Guru Ravidas at the mystic poet saint’s birthplace, Seer Govardhanpur, after laying the foundation of Ravidas Janmasthali area development project on Tuesday, PM Modi highlighted the achievements of his government in his 18-minute speech.Quoting the saint’s couplet, “Aisa chahoon raj main, jahan mile sabko ann, chhot bado sabh sam basain, Ravidas rahe prasann (I want such a government under which all people get food, the rich and poor, powerful and weak live together, only this will make Ravidas happy),” PM Modi said that the saint wanted an inclusive society that took care of all.“In the last 4.5 years, the central government has tried its best to turn the teachings of Ravidas into reality. Each and every step and scheme of the government reflects the philosophy of Guru Ravidas,” he said.Modi mentioned the government schemes for poor like housing, free gas and electricity connections, free health care up to Rs 5 lakh and annual assistance of Rs 6,000 to farmers. “This is just the beginning. There are many more programmes for the uplift of the neglected lot in society,” he said.“Guru Ravidas was also against one more evil, which caused great harm to society. This evil is dishonesty. We took strong steps like demonetization and stringent action against benami property and black money. There is no place for these in new India. The government stands firmly with the honest. The honest tax payers earning up to Rs 5 lakh have been given total tax relief. While the looters of public money are being punished, honesty is being honoured,” said Modi.Recalling his 2016 visit, PM Modi said, “I am here with you today to fulfil my promise. I am happy that it is the beginning of a pious work which you had been demanding for decades. Many governments came, but your demand remained unfulfilled.”Laying the foundation of the development and beautification of Seer Govardhanpur, PM Modi said, “In the first phase, Rs 50 crore would be spent on expansion and beautification of this place. The road connecting the birthplace to Banaras Hindu University would be beautified, while another 12km road would be constructed. A bronze statue of Guru Ravidas would also be installed while a park would be developed.”Earlier, PM Modi offered prayers at Guru Ravidas temple . Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also addressed the gathering.

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