'Maa Ganga Has Adopted Me': Prime Minister Modi To File Nomination From Varanasi Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to file his nomination from Varanasi for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections today (14 May), seeking a third term from the constituency.

On the eve of filing his papers, PM Modi conducted a 6-km-long roadshow, and performed darshan and pooja at Kashi Vishwanath temple.

PM Modi's day will begin with a visit to Assi Ghat to offer prayers to the River Ganga, followed by a visit to the Kaal Bhairav Temple at 10.00 am, and the filing of nomination papers at 11.30 am.

He will then speak at the Rudraksh Convention Center at 12.10 pm before leaving Varanasi at 1.00 pm.

Varanasi will vote in the seventh and final phase of the elections on 1 June, where PM Modi will contest against Congress candidate Ajay Rai for the third time.

"I am overwhelmed and emotional! I did not even realise how 10 years passed under the shade of your affection. I had said that Maa Ganga had called me. Aaj Maa Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai (today Maa Ganga has adopted me)," he wrote on X on Monday (13 May).

In 2014, the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a significant contest when PM Modi, as BJP's prime ministerial candidate, faced AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Modi's victory by over 3 lakh votes reinforced Varanasi as a BJP bastion, a legacy he seeks to continue in the upcoming elections.

Since 1991, the BJP has won the Varanasi constituency, with its five assembly seats, seven times.

Varanasi's demographics include 75 per cent Hindus, 20 per cent Muslims, and 5 per cent from other religions. About 10 per cent of the population belongs to Scheduled Tribes, and Scheduled Castes make up 0.7 per cent.

The urban population stands at 65 per cent, with 35 per cent residing in rural areas.

"During the period of the Congress and INDI alliance, this city of spirituality and faith was always neglected, but we are working day and night with the resolution of building a divine and grand Kashi," PM Modi wrote on X.

"I have to do a lot more in the third term of the NDA government for this parliamentary constituency that resides in my heart," he added.

"As a servant of the people, it has always been my endeavour to make the lives of the people of Kashi easier. I am confident that a developed Varanasi will make an invaluable contribution to fulfilling the resolution of a developed India along with a developed Uttar Pradesh," he said.

"With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath, I will always remain dedicated to the service of his Kashi. Jai Baba Vishwanath!" PM Modi added.

Also Read: Varanasi: PM Modi Holds Mega Roadshow, Seeks Blessings Of Baba Vishwanath Ahead Of Nomination Filing Tomorrow