A day following his inauguration for an unprecedented third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasted no time in prioritizing farmer welfare by authorizing the release of the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi on Monday, June 10. This move, estimated to benefit 9.3 crore farmers with around ₹20,000 crore, underscores Modi’s government’s unwavering commitment to “Kisan Kalyan” (farmer well-being). Emphasizing the significance of this action, Modi stated, “Ours is a government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is, therefore, fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.” In a contrasting development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, who had previously pledged to shave his head if Modi secured a third term as Prime Minister, has now backtracked on his promise. Bharti justified his decision by arguing that Modi’s victory was not solely independent but a result of a coalition government. “I stated that I would shave my head if he were elected for a third term. However, he has not won on his own, he has won the election with the support of his alliance. I stand by my words. If he did not win on his own, it’s not his victory. So, as I said, if he has not won independently, I will not shave my head,” Bharti conveyed to news agency PTI. In other news, the real estate sector is optimistic about Modi’s third term, urging a heightened focus on infrastructure development and affordable housing.
