PM Modi files his nomination papers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi filed his nomination at the collectorate office for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh today. Prior to that, the prime minister addressed a gathering of BJP workers and visited the famous Kal Bhairav temple in the city. Several top NDA leaders like Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackrey, AIADMK's O Panneerselvam, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Pawan, Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh were also in Varanasi today to support PM Narendra Modi's nomination
On Thursday, PM Modi held a mega roadshow in Varanasi and passed by ancient temples and ghats - the seven-kilometre-long roadshow took two-and-a-half hours and finally ended in the holiest ghat of them all, the Dashashwamedh. The prime minister also attended the evening aarti at this ghat on the banks of the river Ganga.
Here are the LIVE Updates on PM Modi in Varanasi:
Amid criticism from Opposition over income tax raids at the residences of opposition leaders, PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh says if he does anything wrong, there should be Income Tax raids on his house too.
PM Modi addresses a rally in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh
Congress had promised to reduce electricity bills and found a solution to do so by reducing electricity supply in your homes. Congress here is running on the formula of supplying lesser electricity than previous Shivraj govt. Is this not betrayal?
PM Modi speaks after filing nomination papers
I am thankful for the love I have got. They have been blessing me since yesterday just the way they did 5 years ago.
People are saying that Modi has already won, so there is no need to vote. I urge all the people not to believe them and to come out and vote.
PM Modi tweets video of himself at Kaal Bhairav temple
PM Modi Files Nomination Papers
PM Modi files nomination papers at Collectorate Office in Varanasi for 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
PM Modi at Collectorate Office in Varanasi
BJP Chief Amit Shah tweets photos from NDA meet
PM Modi meets NDA leaders at Collectorate Office in Varanasi.
PM Modi reaches Collectorate Office to file nomination papers from Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks towards Collectorate Office to file his nomination papers from Varanasi.
NDA leaders including Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackrey, AIADMK's O Panneerselvam, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Pawan, Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Collectorate Office to support PM Modi as he files his nomination papers.
PM Modi visits Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi before filing his nomination papers.
PM Modi on his way to file his nomination papers from Varanasi.
PM Modi in Varanasi tells BJP workers: "When a party worker goes out of home, he tells his mother: I am out to serve the BJP, if i don't return alive, ensure my younger brother serves the party from tomorrow. This is a true story."
PM Modi to BJP workers:
- I want to tell you how to cut costs. Every party worker should be responsible for 10 families. Start visiting homes of these voters (as a part of door-to-door campaigns), have breakfast with them, they will offer you tea, you can read their newspaper. Without any expenses, you would be spreading the word.
- Also, avoid negativity. Read the NaMo App, especially the first time voters should.
- The post of PM is not for fun. It is not for the family members (nephews, daughters, etc). It is for the over 130 crore people of India.
- The mood is festive from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Friendship, Love important in politics: PM Modi
"If you are Modi's soldier, don't get motivated by those who debate on the TV. Friendship, love is important in politics which is gradually fading away. We need to bring that back. No matter how much anyone abuses Modi, you need not worry," PM Modi tells BJP workers in Varanasi.
"The media will no longer have an interest in the Varanasi election as they won't get any more TRPs. They will also assume Modi has won," says PM Modi while addressing BJP workers in Varanasi.
Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh tells news agency ANI: NDA will get 3/4th majority in the country.
Minister of External Affairs of India and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj says: "The people of Varanasi are very lucky as they are choosing the prime minister of India, while people of other constituencies are choosing their MPs."
Electing the government is in hands of citizens, running it is our responsibility, says PM Modi in Varanasi.
"I will not enjoy winning the elections if my workers lose at any of the polling booths. There should only be one 'mantra' now: Mera booth, sabse mazboot. (My booth, the strongest)"
PM Modi also asked BJP workers to break all voting records.
Leaders present during NDA meet in Varanasi
Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackrey, Ram Vilas Paswan, O Panneerselvam among those present during NDA meet ahead of filing of nomination papers of PM Modi.
"Entire country wants Modi sarkar again," says PM Modi.
PM Modi in Varanasi:
I have never denied workers whenever they have asked me for an appointment. I have always been available to people and party workers.
We are just like a "chota sipahi" (small soldiers) for our motherland (India). I come from a humble family to work for the nation.
This election is not about Modi. it's about these party workers. Every vote is important.
Forget if Modi wins or loses, whatever happens to Modi will be seen by Mother Ganga (referring to River Ganga).
"There are two aspects to this national election: First, winning Varanasi. I think we have already won the temple town, as was already evident yesterday. Second, winning a poll booth. I want the democracy to win"
"I have been a grassroot worker myself. Have pasted posters on the wall," says PM Modi in Varanasi.
PM Modi addresses BJP workers in Varanasi
I am extremely grateful for a warm welcome. Yesterday (during the roadshow), I saw a family member in every resident of Varanasi.
I have been travelling across the country since the past one and half months and gauging the elections. Me, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath are just karyakartas (workers), it is the people who are fighting the elections this time.
The political pundits, after the polls, will be analysing how the nation is witnessing a "pro-incumbency" wave for the first time after independence.
BJP president Amit Shah attends an NDA leaders' meet in Varanasi ahead of PM Narendra Modi's filing of nomination from Varanasi.
Top leaders to accompany PM Modi
Several BJP bigwigs including party president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and top NDA leaders are expected to accompany the Prime Minister as he files his nomination papers from Varanasi. PM Modi is expected to file the same before noon today.
PM Modi reaches Assi Ghat in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his day by visiting the Assi Ghat in Varanasi. Ahead of filing his nomination papers, PM Modi will address party workers and then visit the Kal Bhairav temple.