Battle for Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most watched out contests of Election 2014 with BJP's prime ministerial candidate taking on AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and local Congress politician Ajay Rai. The constituency goes to poll in the last phase on May 12.

  • Rahul Gandhi chose to end his roadshow in Varanasi by paying his respects to the Hindu Nationalist leader and Founder of Benaras Hindu University - Madan Mohan Malviya. BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had begun his roadshow in a similar fashion when he was in Varanasi to file his nomination, a few weeks ago.
    Rahul Gandhi chose to end his roadshow in Varanasi by paying his respects to the Hindu Nationalist leader and Founder of Benaras Hindu University - Madan Mohan Malviya. BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had begun his roadshow in a similar fashion when he was in Varanasi to file his nomination, a few weeks ago.
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  • Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, center, waves at supporters during an election campaign rally in Varanasi in support of Samajwadi Party's candidate from Varanasi Kailash Chaurasia.
    Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, center, waves at supporters during an election campaign rally in Varanasi in support of Samajwadi Party's candidate from Varanasi Kailash Chaurasia.
  • Supporters shower flower petals on Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, center, during an election campaign rally in Varanasi, just before the May 12 polling in the constituency.
    Supporters shower flower petals on Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, center, during an election campaign rally in Varanasi, just before the May 12 polling in the constituency.
  • Actress and AAP leader Gul Panag rides bike during a road show in support of party candidate Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi.
    Actress and AAP leader Gul Panag rides bike during a road show in support of party candidate Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi.
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  • A Congress party flag flies over supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during an election campaign rally in Varanasi.
    A Congress party flag flies over supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during an election campaign rally in Varanasi.
  • BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during an election road show in Varanasi, after he was denied by Election Commission to hold rally.
    BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during an election road show in Varanasi, after he was denied by Election Commission to hold rally.
  • BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah during BJPs protest against Election Commission in Varanasi.
    BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah during BJPs protest against Election Commission in Varanasi.
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  • A BJP supporter, dressed up like Narendra Modi at Sigra in Varanasi.
    A BJP supporter, dressed up like Narendra Modi at Sigra in Varanasi.
  • BSP Supremeo Mayawati addresses at an election campaign rally in Varanasi.
    BSP Supremeo Mayawati addresses at an election campaign rally in Varanasi.
  • Congress announces its candidate from Varanasi to take on BJP's prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi and AAP's convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Ajay Rai being welcomed by his supporters in the city.
    Congress announces its candidate from Varanasi to take on BJP's prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi and AAP's convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Ajay Rai being welcomed by his supporters in the city.
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  • Arvind Kejriwal arrived by train in Varanasi on Tuesday morning and later in the day will be addressing a rally here.<br><br> Photo credit: AP
    Arvind Kejriwal arrived by train in Varanasi on Tuesday morning and later in the day will be addressing a rally here.

    Photo credit: AP
  • He took a dip in river Ganga at the Bhainsasur Ghat and told reporters, "Fighting against Modi is a small thing. Saving the country from corruption is a big issue now. I prayed to God to give me the strength to fight and save the country." <br><br> Photo credit: AFP
    He took a dip in river Ganga at the Bhainsasur Ghat and told reporters, "Fighting against Modi is a small thing. Saving the country from corruption is a big issue now. I prayed to God to give me the strength to fight and save the country."

    Photo credit: AFP
  • He also visited the Kashi Vishvanath temple, where some protesters raised slogans against him and asked him to leave the city. <br><br> Photo credit: AFP
    He also visited the Kashi Vishvanath temple, where some protesters raised slogans against him and asked him to leave the city.

    Photo credit: AFP
  • Soon after the BJP announced Narendra Modi's candidacy from Varanasi, Mr Kejriwal said, "I am going to Varanasi. We will ask people there whether I should contest against Modi. If they say yes, then I am ready to contest."
    Soon after the BJP announced Narendra Modi's candidacy from Varanasi, Mr Kejriwal said, "I am going to Varanasi. We will ask people there whether I should contest against Modi. If they say yes, then I am ready to contest."
  • The BJP's decision to have Mr Modi run for the Lok Sabha from Varanasi is designed to enthuse voters in India's largest state to support the party. Mr Modi, who has never contested a national election, will also be contesting from a second seat - Vadodara in his home state Gujarat.
    The BJP's decision to have Mr Modi run for the Lok Sabha from Varanasi is designed to enthuse voters in India's largest state to support the party. Mr Modi, who has never contested a national election, will also be contesting from a second seat - Vadodara in his home state Gujarat.
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