Narendra Modi to visit Varanasi day after counting of votes

LUCKNOW: BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will visit the temple town to attend a 'Ganga Aarti' programme on May 17, day after declaration of Lok Sabha election results.

"An official programme has been received and Narendra Modi will take part in Ganga Aarti programme in Varanasi on May 17," Uttar Prtadesh government Principal Secretary Atul Kumar Gupta said here today.

Gupta, who congratulated police for the peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha elections, said victory processions have been banned in the state after the counting of votes tomorrow.

"No victory procession would be allowed tomorrow whereas for the successive days for holding victory functions and thanksgiving meetings, the respective district administrations would be taking the decision as per the need and requierment," he said.

The principal secretary said strict directives have been issued for maintaining peace and order during the counting of votes tomorrow.