Varanasi: From pilgrim centre to political hotspot

Varanasi is also known as Banaras. It is a city located on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the seven holiest sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, and played a key role in the expansion of Buddhism since long. Most of the Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation.Such a prominence the place has.

Varanasi has ever been in news for its significance as far as Hinduism is concerned. Nevertheless, now, the place attains more prominence, but, for some other reason. Most of the high-flying leaders including the BJP’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi and the President of Aam Aadmi Party Aravind Kejriwal chose to contend for Lok Sabha from Varanasi in the looming general elections, thereby making the holy and cool place bit hotter.

If we go deep into analysis, Bharatiya Janata Party is branded as a non-secular party for virtually enthralling the side of Hindus. Also, it has been supported by the Hindu Oriented Associations to give an indication of the same. It is not an astounding fact Modi contesting from Varanasi, the place dominated by Hindus.

From the other end, Arvind Kejriwal, the President of Aam Admi Party, took hold of a awe-inspiring victory in the fresh assembly elections of Delhi state over the then Chief Minister of Delhi Shiela Dikshit. He may want to create sensation yet again by choosing to contest against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Prime Ministerial candidate.

Congress Party has reportedly chosen Anand Sharma as the Congress Party candidate to contend against Modi at Varanasi. He is a trendy figure among the local masses and Congress Party has chosen him purposely as the Party calls for a tough fight in the looming elections.

The recent political situation made the cool and holy Varanasi hotter. Who will win the battle is an inquiry for now. But, surely, the skirmish will turn the peaceful pilgrimage centre violent with the proxy hostilities called polls.