PM Modi to file Varanasi nomination today, 12 CMs attend event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to file his nomination from Varanasi today for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aiming for a third term from this constituency. Ahead of his nomination, PM Modi held a 6-km-long roadshow, pledging further development for the city if re-elected.

He started his day with prayers at Assi Ghat, offering his respects to the River Ganga. There are plans to seek blessings at the Kaal Bhairav Temple before filing of PM Modi's 3rd term nomination papers at 11:30 am. PM Modi will then address the public at the Rudraksh Convention Centre at 12:10 pm and depart from Varanasi at 1 pm.

In a heartfelt message on social media, PM Modi expressed his deep connection with the city, saying, "I am overwhelmed and emotional! I didn't even realise how 10 years passed under the shade of your affection. I had said that Maa Ganga had called me. Aaj Maa Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai (today Maa Ganga has adopted me)."

Varanasi has been a significant political arena, especially highlighted by the 2014 clash when Modi, then BJP's prime ministerial candidate, faced AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Modi's decisive victory by over 300,000 votes established Varanasi as a BJP stronghold. He reinforced this position with an even larger victory in 2019.

Since 1957, Varanasi has seen intense competition between the BJP and Congress. While the BJP has won the seat seven times since 1991, Congress has secured it six times. Neither the Samajwadi Party nor the Bahujan Samaj Party have won here. The constituency, made up of five assembly seats, is diverse, with 20% Muslims, 75% Hindus, and 5% from other religions. Its population is 35% rural and 65% urban, with 10% belonging to Scheduled Tribes and 0.7% to Scheduled Castes.

PM Modi criticised previous administrations for neglecting Varanasi, stating, "During the period of the Congress and INDI alliance, this city of spirituality and faith was always neglected, but we are working day and night with the resolution of building a divine and grand Kashi." He emphasised his commitment to further developing Varanasi, saying, "I have to do a lot more in the third term of the NDA government for this parliamentary constituency that resides in my heart."

Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to be present at the time of filling PM Modi Nomination Varanasi. Varanasi will vote in the final phase of the elections on June 1, where PM Modi will face Congress candidate Ajay Rai for the third time.