Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi (Photo: ANI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at those who criticised India's potential to become a 5-trillion dollar economy and called them " professional pessimists ". In his first visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, after becoming PM for the second time, Modi explained the meaning and importance of India becoming a $5-trillion economy.

"The size of the cake matters," the PM said while explaining why it is important for India to be a $5-trillion economy.

"I am confident that we will achieve the goal of $5-trillion economy in 5 years, but some people ask what is the need for this and why is it being done? This is the section which is called 'professional pessimists'," Modi said.

The PM asked people to beware of "professional pessimists" who always create doubt, fear and think that nothing is achievable.

PM Modi further stated that, "Many might have doubts that a target of $5-trillion dollar economy is beyond India's capability and is not possible for Indians to achieve. But, despite tough times in the past, India has always been moving forward. This time too, we shall move ahead with determination and achieve the goal."

Earlier, PM Modi launched a toll-free number for BJP's membership drive.

"From the soil of Kashi, I greet each dedicated worker of the party. Today, I got an opportunity to launch the BJP's membership campaign from Kashi," he said, pointing out that it will strengthen the saffron party.

The launch of the membership drive coincided with the 118th birth anniversary of the party's founder, Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

Soon after his arrival in Varanasi on a day-long visit, PM Modi unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the airport.

PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP working president JP Nadda and the state unit chief of the saffron party, Mahendra Nath Pandey.

Anil Shastri and Sunil Shastri, sons of late Lal Bahadur Shastri, were present at the venue as also Uttar Pradesh minister Siddharth Nath Singh, a kin of the former Prime Minister.

(With PTI inputs)

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In Video: PM Narendra Modi slams 'professional pessimists' who criticized $5 trillion economy goal