Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav holds a roadshow in Varanasi
It is a roadshow relay in Varanasi, where the temperature is soaring, and not just from the fast-paced politics being played out in the closing hours of campaigning. (
The Varanasi Rush. A-Listers Campaign One Last Time)
The white caps of the Congress have given way to the red of the Samajwadi Party as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav holds a roadshow less than two hours after
Rahul Gandhi finished his. (
Rahul Gandhi's Tit-For-Tat Roadshow in Varanasi)
In deference to the 45 degrees C out in the hot summer sun, practical baseball caps in SP colour have been handed out to supporters rather than the red Nehru topi that their young leader is wearing as he stands in his open vehicle waving to the crowds.
Bunches of balloons, posters of the 42-year-old chief minister and many flags complete the carnival-like atmosphere in the narrow lanes of the ancient city.
Saturday is the last day of campaigning in Varanasi, from where
Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, is running for Parliament. His chief opponent is Aam Aadmi Party chief
Arvind Kejriwal who has held a series of roadshows since yesterday. (
Arvind Kejriwal courts Varanasi with roadshows)
Mr Yadav's show is meant to be an assertion that the Samajwadi Party, which rules Uttar Pradesh, is as committed as any another to fight Narendra Modi.
Mr Yadav also wants to pitch for the support of the 15 per cent Muslim voters in Varanasi, who the Congress and Mr Kejriwal are also wooing. The BJP reportedly assesses that it will benefit from the confusion among voters that today's multiple roadshows could cause.
The SP has fielded a local MLA Kailash Chaurasia in the star constitency.
Narendra Modi set the roadshow trend in Varanasi. Over two weeks ago, he had inched down the narrow lanes of the ancient city drawing massive crowds as he drove to the collectorate to file his nomination papers. (
Modi files nomination papers in Varanasi)
He drove through Varanasi again on Thursday after the Election Commission controversially disallowed his rally in the heart of the city. (
Modi in Varanasi: 4 Kms in 3 Hours And a Show of Strength)
Varanasi votes on Monday, the ninth and last phase of these elections.