Narendra Modi's drive-through in Varanasi on Thursday
Varanasi, the most high-profile battleground in the national election, is set for a politically-charged weekend before it votes on Monday, the last day of nine-phase polling. After
Narendra Modi's dramatic visit yesterday, the city will host roadshows by
Arvind Kejriwal today and
Rahul Gandhi tomorrow.
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will travel from the holy city's Singh Dwaar to Lahurabeer Chowk. He is likely to be flanked by party colleagues, prominent candidates and celebrity supporters.
Mr Kejriwal, who is contesting from Varanasi against Mr Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, has challenged him to an open debate "at a time and place of his choosing". (also read:
Modi trying to politicise Ganga Aarti, says Kejriwal)
Mr Modi's rally on Thursday just outside the city and four km drive-through later capped his BJP's bitter confrontation with the Election Commission over what the party described as a "ban" on him from Varanasi, from where he is running for Parliament for the first time. (read:
Modi in Varanasi: 4 km in 3 hours and a show of strength)
The BJP wants the Election Commission to remove its Returning Officer for Varanasi, Pranjal Yadav, whom the party accuses of blatant bias in denying permission for Mr Modi's events, including a rally in the heart of the city. (
BJP's allegations deplorable, says Election Commission)
Mr Yadav had cited security concerns for his decision, which has been backed by the Election Commission.
"The lives of ordinary people and leaders would have been at risk," said Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath in a rare press conference of the full poll panel in the middle of the election.
Permission was granted later for the Ganga prayers and a meeting with 150 prominent citizens at a hotel, but the BJP says it came at 2 am, too late to advertise the events to its supporters. (read:
'Timid Men Can Dwarf High Offices')
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.