PM Modi nomination filing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a re-election in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, filed his nomination papers from Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday (May 14). This marked the third time when he is contesting from the constituency after winning convincingly in 2014 and 2019. Voting on the seat will be held in the last phase of the general elections on June 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present for PM Modi's nomination filing, accompanied by the Chief Ministers of over 10 NDA-ruled states, in a major show of strength.
He is eyeing a hattrick in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, which he had won for the first time in 2014.
What did PM Modi say on filing nomination papers?
The Prime Minister thanked the people of Varanasi for "love and blessings" in the last 10 years and said that he will continue to work with new energy for the all-round development of the constituency.
"I am very excited to file my nomination from Varanasi for the third consecutive time. The amazing love and blessings I have received from all of you in the last 10 years have inspired me to work with a constant spirit of service and full determination. With your full support and participation, I will continue to work with new energy and power for the all-round development of this place and the welfare of the people in my third term as well," he said.
PM Modi offers prayers ahead of nomination filing
Ahead of filing his nomination papers, he offered prayers at Dasaswamedh Ghat. He also offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple.
Priest Santosh Narayan, who was present with PM Modi, described the rituals performed and said, "...We have given him the blessings of massive victory in all the phases of the ongoing elections".
Who were PM Modi's proposers?
According to reports, four people were the proposers for PM Modi. The list includes - Pandit Ganeshwar Shashtri, Baijnath Patel, Lalchand Kushwaha and Sanjay Sonkar. Pandit Ganeshwar Shashtri, who lead the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Baijnath Patel a BJP worker from Jan Sangh Era, Lalchand Kushwaha who is an OBC and Sanjay Sonkar who is from the SC category were his proposers.
Who all were present during PM Modi's nomination?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present for PM Modi's nomination filing. CM Yogi Adityanath was also present on the occasion. The BJP's NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar were also present.
PM Modi meets NDA leaders after nomination
The Prime Minister met NDA leaders including Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and others in Varanasi after filing his nomination papers. NCP leader Praful Patel, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, Jayant Chaudhary, SBSP chief OP Rajbhar among others were present. Chirag Paswan and his uncle and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party chief Pashupati Kumar Paras were also present in the meeting.
Reacting to the presence of the NDA allies, he said that the tie-up represents a commitment to "national progress".
"I am honoured by the presence of our valued NDA allies in Kashi today. Our alliance represents a commitment to national progress and fulfilling regional aspirations. We will work together for the progress of India in the years to come," he posted on X.
A day ahead of the occasion, he held a massive roadshow in his parliamentary seat along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Surrounded by a sea of saffron, Modi's cavalcade covered a distance of six kilometres after which he reached the Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers.
Varanasi will vote on June 1. The results of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be declared on June 4.
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