Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the incumbent MP and candidate from Varanasi, paid tribute to the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on the eve of his roadshow. The symbolic gesture comes as PM Modi gears up to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, scheduled for tomorrow.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up to file his nomination for a third consecutive term from the Varanasi parliamentary constituency on Tuesday, the city of Kashi is buzzing with excitement for his nomination eve roadshow scheduled for today. The roadshow, set to kick off a day before his nomination filing, promises a vibrant display of cultural richness, featuring shehnai tunes, the resonance of conch shells (shankhnaad), rhythmic drum beats (damru), and the chanting of mantras. The district administration has enforced stringent security measures to ensure a smooth and safe event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded a grandiose five-kilometer-long roadshow in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday evening, setting the stage for his upcoming nomination filing from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. The roadshow, a precursor to tomorrow's filing, commenced with PM Modi paying homage to the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Lanka Gate of Banaras Hindu University.
Key highlights
Dignitaries present: PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several other leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Enthusiastic crowds: The route was thronged by an enthusiastic crowd, with spectators lining the streets and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
Cultural extravaganza: Along the way, vibrant performances, including traditional dances by women and spirited flag-bearing by men, added to the festive ambiance.
Religious significance: The roadshow culminated with PM Modi seeking blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, underscoring the spiritual and cultural significance of the ancient city.
Political context: Varanasi holds immense significance for the BJP and PM Modi, serving as a stronghold for the party. PM Modi's nomination filing will mark his third consecutive contest from the seat.
Opposition challenge: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has been fielded by the Congress party against PM Modi in Varanasi, marking Rai's third electoral face-off with the Prime Minister in a Lok Sabha contest.
Electoral schedule: Voting in Varanasi is scheduled for June 1 in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Past electoral performance: In both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi secured resounding victories from Varanasi, attaining overwhelming voter support.
PM Modi's roadshow not only showcased the BJP's organisational strength but also served as a platform to reaffirm the party's commitment to the people of Varanasi and its vision for the future.
Route and participants
The roadshow will commence from the intersection at the Banaras Hindu University gate, where PM Modi will pay homage to BHU founder Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya. It will culminate at Gate Number 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Over a lakh BJP workers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, along with residents, sportspersons, artists, and prominent individuals, are expected to participate. Representatives from various communities, including Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Maheshwari, Marwari, Tamil, and Punjabi, will welcome PM Modi in traditional attire, showcasing the diverse cultural fabric of Mini India and Uttar Pradesh.
Cultural extravaganza and warm reception
The five-kilometer-long roadshow will offer glimpses of cultural performances representing the rich heritage of Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh. Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan's family members will greet PM Modi with the enchanting tunes of the Shehnai near Madanpura. Additionally, more than 5,000 BJP women wing workers will join the procession, showering flowers at 100 points along the route. Cultural programs featuring folk dances and songs by local artists will add to the grandeur of the event, with members of the Muslim community also extending their warm welcome.
Prayers and dialogues
The roadshow will culminate with PM Modi offering prayers at the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple. He will then spend the night at the Banaras Locomotive Works and engage in discussions with eminent citizens. On Tuesday, May 14, he will commence the day with prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple before filing his nomination papers, marking another significant chapter in his political journey from Varanasi.
