Kathak artiste in race for BJP ticket in Kashi
VARANASI: A Kathak dancer, who attempted to set a world record, is in the race for the BJP ticket for the Varanasi mayor’s post.
Soni Chaurasia, whose name is under consideration for mention in the Guinness World Records for performing Kathak for over 123 hours non-stop last year, has applied to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership.
Speaking to HT, Chaurasia said, “I have applied for the ticket for the post of mayor as I want to serve the people and make a positive change on the ground in the oldest living city that attracts people from across the globe. If the party considers my application and fields me, I will contest. If not, I will support the BJP candidate,” said Chaurasia. She is ambassador of the
›I want to serve the people and make a positive change on the ground in the oldest living city that attracts people from across the globe. SONI CHAURASIA, Kathak dancer
Swachh Bharat Mission in Varanasi as well as the Beti Bachao, Beti Parao campaign. She actively participates in cleanliness drives and sanitation awareness campaigns run by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation.
Though she belongs to a family with no political background, she is a known face in Varanasi for her Kathak performance which earned her laurels from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She also called on the PM in 2016 when he visited the city.
She said selfless service gave her satisfaction.
An admirer of PM Modi, she wants to work hard to ensure timely implementation of schemes in the Prime Minister’s Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.
Senior BJP leaders have shortlisted half-a-dozen names, including a dedicated party worker from the Patel community and a daughter in law of a former MP. The list of names has been sent to Lucknow.
The names will be discussed in the presence of senior party leaders. The announcement will be made thereafter.
Chaurasia danced for about 126 hours and five minutes nonstop at Mount Litera Zee School in Varanasi in April 2016. Her feat is now in the process of being in the Guinness World Records.