PM Modi arrives in Varanasi tonight; to visit Ravidas temple, Banaras Hindu University tomorrow

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in his Lok Sabha constituency here tonight for taking part in birth anniversary celebrations of 15th century Dalit poet Shri Ravidas besides attending the convocation ceremony at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) tomorrow.

As per the revised protocol, the Prime Minister will reach Varanasi airport from Kolkata.

In the morning, the Prime Minister is scheduled to pay a visit to the Ravidas Mandir - a temple dedicated to the mystic who holds a special place in the hearts of Dalits - where he may partake 'langar' (food prepared in the community kitchen).

Modi is also expected to meet NRIs belonging to the 'Ravidasiya' sect, comprising mostly Sikhs from Punjab, who are devotees of the Varanasi-born poet-mystic.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also expected to visit the shrine later in the day in an apparent bid to woo the Sikhs belonging to this sect, with an eye on the upcoming Punjab elections.

The sect has played an important role in construction of the temple, a few kilometres from here, and every year the celebration of the birth anniversary of Shri Ravidas in this eastern UP town, better known for the myriad Hindu temples dotting its landscape, is marked by a large turnout of devotees from Punjab.

After spending some time at the temple, Modi will return to BHU to attend the convocation ceremony.

Earlier, varsity authorities had expressed their desire to confer an honorary doctorate on the Prime Minister. However, the offer was declined earlier this week by Modi, who cited his "policy of not accepting such degrees".

The Prime Minister would fly back to Delhi from Varanasi airport at tomorrow.