Modi thanks Ma Ganga, performs aarti
HOMECOMING The PM-designate keeps his promise, visits Varanasi to express gratitude
VARANASI : PM-designate Narendra Modi entered Varanasi like a king returning to his kingdom after trouncing his enemies in a battle.
Riding on a massive mandate, Modi kept his promise of seeking blessings from the holy city after his victory.
Chants of ‘Modi, Modi,’ echoed in the air as thousands of BJP supporters made a beeline to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. As Modi’s cavalcade moved ahead — with an upgraded security cover — thousands of BJP workers followed it.
Due to the security threat, Modi didn’t came out of his SUV as he did during his earlier visit and instead zipped past the waiting crowds.
All through the route up to the historic Kashi Vishwanath temple, thousands of supporters lined up on both sides of the road to have glimpse of Modi.
Local BJP leaders welcomed Modi at the temple’s entrance as Srikant Mishra, head priest of the temple, presided over Modi’s Rudrabhishek ceremony.
For about half an hour, Modi performed special puja at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
This was Modi’s second visit to the temple. It was on December 20 last that he had visited the temple before addressing his rally.
From the temple, Modi’s cavalcade left for the Dashashwamedh ghat for Ganga aarti. Modi appeared to be in awe of the Ganga as he stood at its banks for the aarti to begin.
“I came here as a candidate and now I am returning as son of this holy land,” Modi said while addressing the gathering after the aarti. “I did not come to Varanasi on my own, but Ma
WHILE IN VARANASI, MODI WAS GREETED BY THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS WHO LINED UP ALONG HIS ROUTE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF HIM
Ganga called me.”
“Now, it is time to do my bit for Ma Ganga,” Modi said acknowledging the big round of applause from the crowd.
“Ma Ganga is waiting for her son to free her from pollution,” Modi said. Modi also thanked people for ensuring his victory from Varanasi.
“I have barely been able to interact with people of Kashi. But then also you have given me a such a huge victory,” Modi said. Gesturing towards the crowd seated at the footsteps of the Dashashwamedh ghat, Modi said: “We all have to work for Kashi.”
Sensing religious fervour at the Dashashwamedh ghat Modi said: “No medical science can explain my feeling of coming down to the land of Baba Vishwanath and Lord Buddha.”