Modi will arrive In Varanasi today, supporters plan mega victory celebrations

VARANASI: The temple town on Friday broke into a jig welcoming Narendra Modi’s huge victory nationwide as also in Varanasi. After a meek initial challenge from Aam Aadmi party’s Arvind Kejriwal, Modi emerged victorious by over 3.5 lakh votes. BJP has lost this seat just once since 1989.

As early trends began, BJP supporters raised slogans like, “Achchhe din aane wale hain!” and “Kashi ki hai yehi pukar, abki bar Modi Sarkar!” on the streets, even as the administration gave up on the idea of holding back victory processions by BJP’s enthusiastic and youthful supporters. The ubiquitous lotus, as well as its mechanical version, bloomed on the waters of the Ganga, even as regional office-bearers of the party prepared for Modi’s arrival in Varanasi on Saturday.

BJP’s Varanasi leader Dishant Badlani said, “We expect a huge crowd at the ghats. Everywhere the procession goes, thandai and laddoos will be served to supporters .”

With Modi’s resounding victory confirmed by late afternoon , expectations rose manifold; Varanasi came out in hordes saying they now expect Modi to put the city on the path of economic growth, ensuring employment, revive heritage, and get the Ganga cleaned up. They also expect Varanasi to get industrial and infrastructural development to the city now that there will be straight oversight from the PMO.

There was also plenty of feasting. Prayers done, people headed for the preferred Banarasi breakfast of purisubzi and jalebi, while afternoon brought a feast of chicken biryani. The local BJP office thronged with cadre, with young men and women playing with colours.

Suresh Bahadur Singh, a regional BJP member, said, “Party supporters have already ordered ladoos from sweet shops worth Rs 20 lakh and crackers worth Rs 10 lakh to rejoice over Modi’s win. We will distribute sweets to all our workers and supporters.”

Another of Varanasi’s famous delicacies, Baba Vishwanath temple’s thandai, was drunk with unusual fervour . BJP’s youth wing distributed the cool beverage at the BHU entrance to Modi’s student supporters. Rahul Seth, a member of the BJP’s youth wing, said, “Students across universities pooled in money to serve 20,000 litres of thandai at all major locations when Modi comes in for the rally on Saturday.”