PM's roadshow in Varanasi amid slogans of 'Har-Har Modi'

Varanasi: Amid chants of 'Jai Modi', 'Har Har Modi Ghar Ghar Modi' and 'BJP zindabad', Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched his campaign in Varanasi, his Parliamentary constituency with an impressive roadshow criss-crossing the temple city. Mr Modi kick-started the roadshow from BHU gate, and after crossing Assi and Sonarpura, the first phase would end at Kashi Vishwanath temple where the Prime Minister would worship for about an hour. At BHU gate, Lanka and Assi people from their balconies and terrace showered flowers on the Prime Minister and their local MP, who was seen standing with folded hands and waving out to the crowd atop an SUV.

Special flower showering machines were also installed at several places on the route. The SPG sleuths were having a hard time to control the crowd who were trying to reach near the SUV. The SPG were assisted by the jawans of the Rapid Action Force. After paying obeisance at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the PM's cavalcade will move towards Chowk before the rally's conclusion at Kal Bhairva temple. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will proceed towards Jaunpur to address an election meeting. In the evening, Mr Modi will hold second phase of his roadshow in the city before retiring for the day after meeting with the senior citizens of the city at the DLW guest house.

Around 15 union ministers, along with senior BJP officials, were accompanying Mr Modi. This is his first roadshow after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. To counter the Modi factor, a big roadshow would be held by the Samajwadi Party and Congress this evening. The SP-Congress roadshow, which will commence from Collectorate gate at around 1400 hrs, will have leaders like UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, his wife Dimple Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Campaigning in Varanasi, which goes to polls in the seventh and last phase on March 8, will end on Monday next. (UNI)