In what has become a momentous occasion in the political landscape of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again stepped into the electoral arena, filing his nomination from the pivotal Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh today. His name has been synonymous with this constituency, having triumphed with decisive victories for two consecutive terms.
Commencing the nomination process, Prime Minister Modi immersed himself in a spiritual start to the day, partaking in sacred rituals at the historic Dashwamedh Ghat. The spiritual overture extended to a serene cruise to the Namo Ghat, concluding with offering prayers at the revered Kaal Bhairav temple. Each of these acts portrayed a blend of devotion and tradition, resonating well with the cultural ethos of Varanasi. Throughout this journey, he had the company and support of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Marking his quest for a third term, PM Modi is setting his eyes on a yet another record margin in a city that has time and again demonstrated its favor. Varanasi is slated to cast its votes on June 1, poised as a key date in the final phase of the ongoing general elections.
Preceding the official filing of his candidacy, the streets of Varanasi bore witness to a grand display of strength and popularity as PM Modi led a grand roadshow. The evening prior was a spectacle as he traversed a five-kilometre-long route amidst an ocean of supporters. The roadshow was a procession of hope and fervor, with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Shree Ram’ reverberating in the air, creating an electric atmosphere that could be felt throughout the city. Residents and ardent supporters lined the streets, their enthusiasm unbounded, adding to the vibrancy of the auspicious evening.
On arrival at the District Magistrate’s office for nomination, PM Modi appeared in his traditional attire—a white kurta and churidar topped with a blue jacket—an ensemble that has come to be closely associated with his public image.
This significant event was marked by the presence of a constellation of leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Notably, the nomination was attended by 25 influential figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to name but a few. The presence of these powerhouses signaled a united front as they stood alongside PM Modi in a remarkable show of solidarity.
Among others, the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Meghalaya, Eknath Shinde and Conrad Sangma respectively, graced the occasion. The breadth of representation spanned across the alliance, featuring leaders like TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, LJP National President Chirag Paswan, and other prominent figures from diverse political parties and regional alliances.
A day prior to the nomination, the prime minister had orchestrated a massive roadshow that unfurled across the streets of Varanasi. It was a display of unifying cultural force as women clothed in the hues of saffron led the way. Alongside Modi, once again, Yogi Adityanath and BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh upheld the procession, bearing witness to the enveloping chant that became the pulse of the city that day.
Varanasi, encompassing five Assembly segments, stands as an unyielding bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the prime minister himself. The anticipation surrounding the contest in Varanasi during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections could not be higher. With PM Modi riding on the wave of past majorities received in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections, the stakes for political dominance in this stronghold are substantial.
As the political narrative continues to unfold, the counting of the votes poised to happen on June 4 will reveal whether Varanasi endorses the prime minister for a historic third term.
