Modi Addresses Panchayati Raj Amid Pahalgam Aftermath, Launches ₹13,500 Crore Projects
Madhubani : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public engagement following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, addressed Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and gram sabhas across the nation from Madhubani, Bihar. The event, held on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, took on a somber tone as the nation mourned the loss of 26 tourists in the recent terror incident.
Despite grand preparations for the event, celebrations were subdued in light of the Pahalgam massacre, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and the ISI. All eyes were on Prime Minister Modi’s address, with keen interest in how he would address the recent terror attack and the escalating tensions with Pakistan.
The event, marking the 32nd anniversary of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which granted constitutional status to panchayats as rural self-government bodies in 1992, was held at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Jhanjharpur block, Madhubani district.
Beyond addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a slew of infrastructure and welfare projects worth approximately ₹13,500 crore, as detailed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. These projects are aimed at bolstering rural development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the country.
Adding to the day’s agenda, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail in Bihar, marking significant advancements in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025. These awards, including the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), the Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and the Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP), recognize exemplary contributions to rural development and governance.
Notably, a scheduled event in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was cancelled following the Pahalgam terror attack, reflecting the nation’s collective mourning and heightened security concerns.
This year’s National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) was observed as a comprehensive national event, incorporating a ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach. Six Union ministries – Rural Development; Housing and Urban Affairs; Petroleum and Natural Gas; Power; Railways; and Road Transport and Highways – participated, underscoring the collaborative effort towards rural development.
Prime Minister Modi also launched or dedicated key projects to the nation, encompassing LPG bottling plants, electrification initiatives, housing schemes, railway infrastructure upgrades, and road development works. These initiatives are designed to drive economic growth and improve living standards in rural areas.
Furthermore, financial aid was disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (both Gramin and Urban) and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY–NRLM), providing crucial support to beneficiaries.
The event took place amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following India’s announcement of sweeping measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the closure of the Attari Border checkpost in Amritsar. Prime Minister Modi’s address was closely watched for any indications of India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack and its broader strategic stance.