'Certain forces' trying to put pressure on judiciary: PM

At Prayagraj to inaugurate an airport complex among other projects, Modi, without naming the Congress, said: "These elements considered themselves above all institutions."

Giving a shot in the arm of the Narendra Modi government which is suddenly on the back foot after suffering electoral reverses in state polls, the Supreme Court on Friday rejected all the pleas which sought a probe into the Rafale deal pertaining to the buying of 36 fighter jets by India from France.

The top court said there is no need to doubt the process and interfere in the pricing of the deal which has been picked up by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a political ammunition to attack Modi ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Modi on Sunday inaugurated a new airport complex and an integrated command and control centre for the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

The Prime Minister also performed Ganga Pujan, and visited the Swachh Kumbh Exhibition. He visited the Akshay Vat in Prayagraj. He also dedicated to the nation, inaugurated, or laid the Foundation Stone for various development projects at Andawa in Prayagraj.

Addressing a large gathering, he announced that pilgrims for the Ardh-Kumbh this time will also be able to visit the Akshay Vat.

He said the government was making every effort to ensure good connectivity to Prayagraj. He said the projects dedicated today, would help both infrastructure and connectivity.

He said the new airport terminal had been completed in a record one year.

The Prime Minister said that every effort is being made to ensure a unique experience for devotees coming for the Ardh-Kumbh.  He said the effort is to showcase India's glorious past, and vibrant future. He said the government was working to ensure a clean Ganga.

He said the sewage treatment plants and beautification of ghats would go a long way in this regard.

The Prime Minister described the Kumbh as a symbol of India and Indianness. He said: "It unites us, and gives a glimpse of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat."

He said the organisation of the Kumbh is not just a matter of faith, but also a matter of prestige, and every visitor to the Kumbh should be well taken care of. He said the Ardh-Kumbh would show how 'New India' encompasses both heritage and modernity.