Narendra Modi files nomination after mega road show in Varanasi

Narendra Modi today filed his nomination for the high-profile electoral battle here after a mega road show, saying "Mother Ganga" has called him and vowed to make this temple town on the banks of Ganges the world's spiritual capital.

Conch shells rang through the air and rose petals were showered on him as 63-year-old Modi, riding atop an open truck, waved to cheering people thronging the three km route from Lahurabeer to Kachhari. People donning Modi T-shirts, Modi masks and holding BJP flag lined up the arterial roads i and on balconies and rooftops in sweltering heat to have a glimpse of the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate. 

As Modi's convoy made its way through Muslim-dominated Nadesar, several people from the minority community also greeted the BJP leader who has been challenged in the electoral battle by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal besides others. "After coming here, I felt neither BJP has sent me nor I have come here. I am here because Mother Ganga has called me. I am feeling like a small boy coming to mother's lap. I pray to God to give me strength so that I can serve this city," Modi, who is also contesting from Vadodara in Gujarat, said after the three-hour-long road show.

Thanking people for showering love and affection on him, Modi said he will try to make Varanasi the spiritual capital of the world and would make sincere efforts to ensure well being of all section of the society including the weavers. "I am overwhelmed by support and love of people here." After the road show, Modi, flanked by party leaders Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Amit Shah and Ravi Shankar Prasad, filed his nomination papers to District Collector.