Modi files nomination from Indian temple city
Opposition BJP’s PM candidate, who is also contesting from Vadodara, files nomination papers from Varanasi.
India’s opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Narendra Modi, has filed nomination from north Indian city of Varanasi that goes to polls on May 12.
Hours before filing his nomination on Thursday in one of the most keenly watched contests in the current parliamentary elections, the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate pledged to create state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure facilities in the temple city.
“With the blessings of Lord Vishwanath and inspired by the legacy of a glorious past, we set out to create a magnificent future for Varanasi,” he wrote in a blog on Thursday.
Varanasi – one of the world’s oldest cities – has become the fresh turf in India’s general election. Modi is pitched against anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal whose Aam Admi Party (AAP) has made unprecedent strides in various Indian cities and villages.
Modi also commited to clean the river Ganga, address the issues of cleanliness in the temple town and to make the weavers of Varanasi become “our pride at the world level”.
“We envision Varanasi as a World Heritage site that is able to draw both devotees and those who wish to understand and absorb India’s culture,” the blog reads.
The contriversial BJP leader also held a road show in the city amid tight security.
He was accompanied by his close aide Amit Shah – who was recently accused of whipping up religious sentiments to win votes.
Modi, who is also contesting from Vadodara in his home state of Gujarat, is forecast to emerge as the clear leader after five-week general election that ends on May 12. Results are due on May 16.