When Benaras became VAR-NASI

The kaaba of Hind has fiddled with many secrets before, architected many arrivals but never did the city witness such attention over administration. Untouched by political sympathies, Varanasi, the city of idols has become the centre of scrutiny for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Rediscovering the cultural diversity of the city, Arvind Kejriwal agreed to contest from Varanasi, embarking the Modi V/s Kejriwal battle.

The antiquity of Varanasi is a witness of BJP’s bastion in the city. Known as the favorite city of Lord Shiva, the ‘shiv nagari’ plays more on religion than on progress. Taking into account the demographic audience of the city, victory of Naredra Modi seems intuitive. What appears to be a confrontment of past with the future is just an ephemera of the magic of democracy. And yet the hope of survival makes the battle more terrible.

Arvind Kejriwal

With BJP announcing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its candidate from Varanasi, there isn’t much for other parties to do. Annunciating his willingness to fight from Varanasi, Arvind Kejriwal said that he was ready for the “big challenge”. Unfazed by the challenges ahead, Aam Aadmi party leader Arvind Kejriwal will hold a rally in the city on 23^rd March.

As Kejriwal and Modi immerse themselves in the battle of Benaras, chances of a third party taking away the crown is huge.  With Muslims constituting 16% of the population, dismissing Mukhtar  Ansari, a candidate of Quami Ekta Dal would be a great mistake. Known for his Robin Hood style, Ansari is extremely popular among Muslims of the city. Earlier Ansari’s wife was supposed to contest from Varanasi but on learning that Modi will be fighting from the city, Mukhtar Ansari stood in the race. Undermining a candidate with such political record would be an extensive mistake for BJP and AAP. 

Mocking its survival, Congress announced that it would give a good fight to Modi. At a time when the focus of the entire country is on Modi vs Kejriwal, Congress’s claim of giving a tough fight is ridiculing. While there are questions over Narendra Modi fleeing from his own state, fighting from a safe seat; it cannot be denied that the fate of BJP depends on this constituency.

It was Kanshi Ram’s lost battle in Allahabad that brought Bahujan Samaj party into light, chances of Varanasi doing the same for AAP is huge. While Benaras is a battle already won, it will get Aam Aadmi Party the required attention. As a party which has a huge base in metros, Varanasi would provide AAP with an opportunity to establish itself in inner cities and towns.