Retired judge, boatman, weaver, singer to propose Narendra Modi's nomination

Varanasi: A retired high court judge who is the grandson of noted educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya will be among four persons to propose Narendra Modi's nomination for the Lok Sabha polls.

A renowned singer from Varanasi, a weaver and a boatman will be among other proposers of Mr Modi's candidature.

Mr Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, will be filing his nomination papers today, the last date of filing papers. Varanasi will go to polls on May 12, the last phase of polling. (Elections: full coverage)

Madan Mohan Malaviya's grandson, Giridhar Malaviya, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, will propose Mr Modi's nomination. Madan Mohan Malaviya, a four-time former president of the Indian National Congress, was also the founder of the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia. (In Varanasi, freedom icon's grandson to be Narendra Modi's proposer)

Among Mr Modi's other proposers are Padma Vibhushan winner Chhandu Lal Mishra, a noted classical singer of Varanasi, boatman Virbhadra Nishad and Ashok, representing the dominant weaver community, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Mr Prasad said all those proposing Mr Modi's candidature are renowned in their respective fields.

Asked if Mr Modi will retain the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat or not since he is also contesting from Vadodara in Gujarat, Mr Prasad said, "My estimate is that he has earnestly served Gujarat. He came here as he loves Varanasi. He will take a final call on the issue."

The BJP leader said "Modiji will win Varanasi with a thumping majority. BJP will do exceedingly well in states where the party is not very strong including in Odisha and West Bengal and in southern states."