Modi overwhelmed by mass support in Varanasi Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI. — Indian election frontrunner Narendra Modi said he was “overwhelmed” yesterday by a huge show of support in Varanasi as the Hindu nationalist leader entered the contest to become the holy city’s member of parliament.
The streets of the ancient city on the banks of the river Ganges were flooded by people keen to greet or at least glimpse the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader as he came to file his nomination papers.

“I feel overwhelmed by the love the people of Kashi (the ancient name of Varanasi) have shown me and I bow to this land and its traditions,” said the 63-year-old at the nomination centre.

“It feels like Mother Ganga has called me here. The way a son goes back to his mother’s lap, that’s how I feel today.”

India’s multi-phase general election began on April 7 but does not wrap up until May 12 when Varanasi and a host of other constituencies in the state of Uttar Pradesh go to the polls.

The contest in Varanasi is the most keenly watched of the election as Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the fledgling anti-corruption Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party, is also standing.

Modi has largely steered clear of advancing his party’s Hindu nationalist agenda on the campaign trail, presenting himself as an economic reformer and sound administrator.

But analysts say his decision to run from the sacred city of Varanasi is an effective way of burnishing the Hindu credentials of the chief minister of western Gujarat state.

He remains a deeply controversial figure for many Indians after more than 1,000 people – mainly Muslims – lost their lives in riots in Gujarat in 2002 shortly after he came to power. — AFP.

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