Arvind Kejriwal's Roadshow In Varanasi, Hours After Narendra Modi's Drive-through

Varanasi: Hours after Narendra Modi's dramatic drive-through, it was Arvind Kejriwal's turn to court Varanasi before it votes on Monday, the last day of the mammoth nine-phase national election.

Supporters in white caps waved brooms and flags and cheered as the Aam Aadmi Party chief began the first of his roadshows on Friday morning from villages in the Ramnagar area in the city.

Mr Kejriwal, 45, is contesting from Varanasi against Mr Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate. His campaign in the rural parts of Varanasi is seen as linked to AAP's assessment that there is huge support for Mr Modi among urban voters.

In the afternoon, Mr Kejriwal will cover a distance of 7.5 km from the holy city's Malviya Gate to Lahurabir Chowk.

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Yesterday, Mr Kejriwal challenged Mr Modi, 63, to an open debate "at a time and place of his choosing". (Also read: Modi trying to politicize Ganga Aarti row: Kejriwal)

Mr Modi's rally on Thursday just outside Varanasi and three hour drive-through in the city later was the highlight of the BJP's bitter confrontation with the Election Commission over what the party describes as a "ban" on him in the constituency from where he is running for Parliament for the first time. (Also read: Modi in Varanasi: 4 km in 3 hours)

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Mr Modi used the standoff to target the Congress, saying at his rally yesterday, "The Congress must understand. The people have defeated you; the Election Commission can't make you win."

Tomorrow, Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Varanasi in a tit-for-tat move after Mr Modi campaigned in his Amethi. Mr Gandhi will hold a roadshow to pitch for the Congress candidate, Ajay Rai.