The last two phases of 2017 UP elections saw two major ostentatious rallies in ‘Bholenath ki Nagri’ Varanasi. The streets of the holy city of Ganges were painted saffron and red when two big political parties, namely BJP and SP flaunted their power in pretentious road shows conducted this week.
Before the seventh and the final phase of UP elections, CM Akhilesh Yadav and Congress VP Rahul Gandhi fleeted on the streets of the PM’s constituency to win support of the masses. They were accompanied by SP leader and wife to the CM, MP Dimple Yadav who was seen waving at the mob from the mini truck.
The SP-Congress group proceeded from Kutchery Chauraha and covered major regions like Peeli Kothi, Nadesar, Gol Ganj, Doshipura, Chaukaghat, Gudaulia, Maidagin and Chauk. While they were passing through the streets, hundreds of supporters donning the conventional ‘red caps’ were seen on streets. They carried banners and posters projecting the ‘cycle’ and ‘palm’ that are the party symbols of SP and Congress.
But the SP-Cong alliance was not as great and grand as PM Narendra Modi’s rally today. Earlier during the day, the PM paid a visit to BHU (Banaras Hindu University) to encourage his young supporters. Thereafter, he led a road show through the narrow alleys of Benaras. Meanwhile, thousands of witnesses gathered on the streets to express their love and gratitude towards the PM.
The streets of Varanasi were resounded with slogans like ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ and ‘Subah Banaras, Sham Banaras, Modi Tera Naam Banaras’. Feeling overwhelmed by the response, the PM waved at his supporters and greeted them with smile. His rally stopped at the Kaal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath temples where he offered his prayers.
But what made the leaders turn to Banaras all of a sudden? It’s because the elections have reached the final stage and results are expected in March. In this condition, the leaders have no other choice other than displaying their power and propaganda for one last time. But who’ll win this show, only time can tell!
