Narendra Modi denied permission for one of his rallies in Varanasi; BJP in a huddle

NEW DELHI: With the district authorities of Varanasi denying permission to Narendra Modi for one of his rallies, BJP on Wednesday went into a huddle to discuss and formulate an alternate plan.

According to Times Now, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was scheduled to address two rallies in Varanasi on Thursday, but was denied permission for one of the venues on the grounds that it was 'already booked'.

Senior BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah met in Varanasi to formulate an alternative plan, reported Times Now. Modi is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from two constituencies, Vadodara and Varanasi. Varanasi goes to polls on May 12, as a part of the final phase of elections.

BJP media in-charge of Kashi region, Sanjay Bhardwaj said they had sought permission for Modi's rally at Beniabagh ground and another at Jagatpur ground in Rohania. He said the district administration is yet to give permission for Beniabagh ground rally.

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Flaying the district administration, BJP leader Arun Jaitley said, "I don't know who is interfering but the returning officer of this constituency is a threat to free and fair election".

"This is unprecedented and unheard of and the party will not take it lying down," he said when asked if the party would approach the Election Commission over it.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said the Varanasi administration was obeying an "unwritten order" and there is an "undeclared understanding" between them and the ruling Samajwadi Party.

(With inputs from PTI)