External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, shared confidence in BJP’s victory in Varanasi, saying that much election campaigning was not required here and that the people here were proud of India’s global stature under the leadership of PM Modi.
While speaking to ANI in Varanasi, Jaishankar expressed his observation that the people of the city have exhibited a strong desire to delve into India’s foreign policy, indicating their pride in the country’s trajectory under PM Modi’s governance. He highlighted the Modi government’s tradition of seeking feedback from citizens, reflecting a commitment to participatory governance. Jaishankar’s schedule in Varanasi included interactions with educators and intellectuals, where he emphasised the pivotal role of education in shaping India’s future.
During a session titled “Empowerment with Education for Better Tomorrow” at a local school, Jaishankar delved into the multifaceted dimensions of education, emphasising its relevance in a modern, technological era and a globalised world. He further stressed the importance of education in fostering inclusivity and nurturing India’s civilisational power, a sentiment resonating deeply in the ancient city of Kashi. Notably, the Varanasi seat comprises five Assembly segments, including Rohaniya, Varanasi North, Varanasi South, Varanasi Cantt, and Sevapuri. Varanasi is the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Modi. This will be the most anticipated contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi won the constituency with a resounding majority in both the 2014 and 2019 general polls.
In 2014, Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a clash between Narendra Modi, then the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. PM Modi won the elections with a margin exceeding 3 lakh votes.
In 2014, PM Modi contested two Lok Sabha seats- from Gujarat’s Vadodara and Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi.