April 23, 2024

From Sunil Garodia in Varanasi

The Modi roadshow took over the streets of Varanasi as nothing else had ever done before. There was a sea of humanity all along the route (from the Lanka gate of the Banaras Hindu University to Dashashwamedh Ghat) and the city was painted saffron. Men, women and kids thronged the route, wearing BJP caps, sporting the party badge and carrying the party flag. Although the route was barricaded since early afternoon, party workers crisscrossed on bikes. The Modi cavalcade was delayed by more than two hours but the enthusiasm of the people did not wane.

Every few metres there were platforms where different organizations had arranged for poets, singers, musicians and speakers to talk about the man. People who were waiting for Modi took immense pleasure in listening to them. One could make out that this was not a hired crowd as the people one talked to showed great pride in talking about him. There, of course, was no point in asking whether they would vote for him - it was too obvious that no one else stood a chance with that partisan crowd.

As you can see in the lead picture, people sat on the stairs of all buildings in the route and took vantage position on balconies on the higher floors. It was as if the prodigal son was returning. Varanasi has adopted Modi more than how Modi adopted the city. People are appreciative of the fact that he left Vadodara in his home state to choose Varanasi and then worked tirelessly to bring so many projects to the city.

As one goes to the airport from the city, one is amazed at the makeover from Shivpur onwards. Two swanking new flyovers – the underpasses have not been neglected but suitably beautified – have transformed the route and reduced the travel time considerably. The other parts of Varanasi have also acquired a new look and bear witness to the work done by the much-loved candidate who happens to be the Prime Minister of the country.

Varanasi was always a BJP bastion. But the connect Modi has developed with the people of the city needs to be seen to be believed. That is one of the main reasons why Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite creating a buzz around her candidacy from there, decided not to contest. Most people in Varanasi think that Modi can do no wrong. They already believe that NDA is going to form the next government and Modi will be Prime Minister again.