PM Narendra Modi, has secured victory in the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency for the third consecutive time, defeating Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajai Rai by a significant margin of 1,52,513 votes, securing 612970 votes. This victory reinforces Modi’s stronghold in Varanasi, one of the 80 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where he has been elected twice before.
The Varanasi Lok Sabha seat witnessed a fierce electoral battle during the final and seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, held on June 1. Modi’s victory, with 54.24% of the votes, underscores his popularity and political prowess in the region. Rai managed to secure 40.74% of the votes, but it was not enough to surpass Modi’s commanding lead.
The electoral contest in Varanasi was marked by extravagant campaigning, with high-profile leaders, including Modi himself, conducting roadshows in the constituency. Despite facing six other candidates, Modi’s main challengers were Congress’s Ajay Rai and Ather Jamal Lari of the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Modi’s political journey has been remarkable, starting from his humble beginnings as an RSS pracharak in 1971 to joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1985. He served as the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2013 before assuming the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Under his leadership, Varanasi has witnessed multifaceted development, with initiatives like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor significantly boosting the city’s economy.
With a vision for a developed India by 2047, Modi’s leadership style, characterized by his unique oratory skills and grassroots approach, has garnered widespread popularity. He is known for establishing connections across various sections of society and is credited for several significant policy decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Modi’s victory in Varanasi reaffirms his position as a formidable leader with a strong mandate, both locally and nationally. His re-election reflects the confidence of the electorate in his ability to lead India towards progress and prosperity.