Guided by stars, Modi files nomination...
The timing of his nomination was determined by renowned astrologer Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, as per the celestial alignment.
Dravid, noted for his role in determining auspicious timings for events like the Ayodhya Ram temple's consecration, endorsed May 14 as a propitious date for nomination. The auspicious window, spanning from 01:43 am on May 13 to 3:10 pm on May 14, saw Modi filing his papers at 12 noon.
Accompanied by key BJP figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President J. P. Nadda, along with chief ministers from a dozen states, Modi's journey to the nomination office was marked by chants of "Har Har, Modi!" resonating through the streets.
The four persons who proposed PM Modi's name for nomination were Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, Baijnath Patel, Lalchand Kushwaha, and Sanjay Sonkar from the Dalit community. Ganeshwar Shastri had determined the time for the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram, while Baijnath Patel has been a party worker since the days of Jan Sangh. Varanasi was awash in saffron as supporters thronged the streets, waving party flags and showering rose petals on the Prime Minister's convoy. With four polling phases out of seven having concluded, Varanasi is a crucial battleground. Perched on the Ghats, along the sacred Ganges, the city adds a spiritual layer to the electoral narrative.
Dinesh Chaurasia, a government school teacher, echoed the belief of many residents that Modi is now an integral part of Varanasi landscape. "He came to Varanasi in response to a call from Ganga Ma (mother Ganga). He is now part of us," Chaurasia said.
Sunita Kundnani, a homemaker, expressed her intention to vote for Modi despite not having any strong political affiliations. "I don't see any viable alternative, as the various alliances are yet to identify their prime ministerial candidate," she remarked.
Md Zubair, a salesman at a saree shop, expressed his intention to support the BJP. "We are committed to electing an MP who will lead our nation as Prime Minister, and this is a matter of pride for us," he stated confidently.
Sushil Shukla, a real estate agent, however, said he will not vote for Modi, saying, "What has he done for India and Varanasi? He had promised to turn Varanasi into Kyoto. Has he done that?"