Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on Tuesday, ahead of submitting his nomination papers from the Lok Sabha constituency today.
During his visit, PM Modi interacted with the locals while heading to the Dasaswamedh Ghat, where he performed prayers at the River Ganga.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his feelings of being called to the city by ‘Ma Ganga’ (River Ganga) at the Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Reflecting on his emotional connection, the Prime Minister mentioned that the people of Varanasi have embraced him as a ‘Banarasiya’ (a resident of Banaras, presently called Varanasi).
Earlier in the day, PM Modi emphasized that his bond with Kashi (another name for Varanasi) is “inseparable and incomparable”.
In a recent post, PM Modi shared a video where he discussed his affection for Kashi and the evolving relationship with River Ganga over the years.
The video showcased the Prime Minister participating in rituals and sightseeing, along with numerous roadshows, during his visits to the city.
“In 2014, when I first visited Kashi, I felt like ‘Ma Ganga’ had called me to the city. But today, after a decade, I can confidently say ‘Aaj Ma Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai’ (today Ma Ganga has embraced me),” PM Modi expressed in the video.
Over the past ten years, my connection with Kashi has deepened, and I now consider it ‘my Kashi’. I perceive a mother-son relationship with Kashi,” a sentimental Prime Minister Modi shared.
“While I will continue to seek the blessings of the people in this democracy, my bond with Kashi holds a special place in my heart,” he added.
PM Modi, who contested from Varanasi in 2014 as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, is now seeking a third consecutive term from the Varanasi seat. The voting for this seat will take place on June 1 in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election.
On Monday, PM Modi held a grand roadshow in Varanasi and promised to do even more to serve the sacred city during his third term.
Amidst a crowd dressed in saffron, Modi’s procession covered a distance of six kilometers before he arrived at the Kashi Vishwanath temple to offer prayers.
Modi expressed his gratitude for the incredible warmth and affection shown by the people.
Individuals from various communities, such as Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Maheshwari, Marwari, Tamil, and Punjabi, welcomed Modi at 100 different points in 11 designated zones along the roadshow route.
Two hours after the roadshow commenced from the Malviya Chauraha in Varanasi’s Lanka area, the Prime Minister arrived at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer his prayers.
Previously, Modi had shared a video of the roadshow on the social media platform ‘X’ and remarked, “Kashi is special… The warmth and affection of the people here is unbelievable.”