Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a mega roadshow in Varanasi a day before filing his nomination papers from the constituency.
Modi began the 6km roadshow by garlanding the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya near the Banaras Hindu University in the presence of thousands of party supports who thronged the venue to have a glance of the prime minister. Many supporters were seen on rooftops, waving at Modi and other leaders present at the rally.
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Earlier, arriving in his constituency along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the prime minister said he is grateful for the warmth and affection people have been lavishing on him.
Adityanath and Union minister Nitin Gadkari are among the top saffron party leaders present at the roadshow. The prime minister is scheduled to meet with eminent personalities of Varanasi later in the evening.
During the roadshow, the prime minister will stop at prominent temples and ghats before culminating at the famous Dashashwamedh.
The show of strength by the BJP comes after the Congress scotched speculations of fielding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Varanasi to take on the prime minister. The grand old party chose Ajay Rai, who contested against Modi in 2014, this time as well.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that filing of nomination by Modi will be another show of strength as various NDA leaders, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are expected to be with the prime minister during the process.
