Rajnath Singh Arrives in Varanasi for Final Day of IAF Air Show; Grand Welcome Planned for PM Modi

VARANASI, Oct 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Varanasi on Saturday to attend the concluding day of the Indian Air Force’s Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026, organised at Namo Ghat to mark the 94th anniversary of the IAF, officials said.

Singh, who represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, is also expected to visit the Sankat Mochan and Kaal Bhairav temples during his stay in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose parliamentary constituency is Varanasi, will visit the city on Sunday to witness the aerial spectacle and participate in other engagements. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel are also scheduled to attend the event, officials said.

According to BJP office-bearers, Modi is expected to arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport around 10 am before travelling by helicopter to Mirzamurad along the Varanasi-Prayagraj National Highway.

There, he will inaugurate a new garment manufacturing facility established by Arvind Limited. The project is expected to contribute to the expansion of India’s textile and apparel manufacturing sector and support industrial development in the region, an official statement said.

Around noon, the Prime Minister will reach Namo Ghat to watch the aerial display, being organised under the theme ‘Wings over Ganges’ to commemorate the IAF’s 94th anniversary.

The three-day programme began on Thursday, while Friday’s event was cancelled due to legislative council elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The final-day display will showcase the capabilities of several frontline aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft, Rafale, Su-30MKI and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand. Transport aircraft will also take part in the programme.

Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are scheduled to participate, highlighting coordination among the three services and their ability to operate jointly.

The IAF’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team will add to the spectacle with their specialised aerial manoeuvres.

Meanwhile, the BJP has planned an elaborate welcome for Modi, with party workers and local residents expected to gather at several locations along his route. Welcome points have been established at Police Lines, Hukulganj Trimuhani, the timber market at Chauka Ghat, Bhadu Chungi and near the turn leading to Namo Ghat.

Additional arrangements have been made at the riverfront venue to receive the Prime Minister, party representatives said.

Security measures have been strengthened across Varanasi ahead of the high-profile visit. Police have divided the city into 32 zones, 50 sectors and 80 sub-sectors to coordinate deployment and maintain law and order.

Approximately 11,900 security personnel will be deployed to manage the arrangements, regulate movement and ensure the smooth conduct of the Prime Minister’s engagements, police officials said.