Lull in Varanasi : Nrendra Modi's Road Show Effect

Varanasi April 26. Suddenly there is lull in the holy city, hopefully temporarily. Nrendra Modi's road show unnerved and unsettled many. In the last 36 hours the show is being debated more in Delhi than in Varanasi. Certainly the Varanasi event was the most significant happening of  2014 Lok Sabha elections. Why? why show of strength by a political party in a single constituency should effect the entire country? This shows power and magic of Varanasi- as the  mover and shaker of the country.

                                                                      In 19th and 20th century , to mention only recent centuries, the city led the Indian renaissance, the city was virtually birthplace of Theosophical Society and Orientalism. Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malaviya were instrumental in development of national education in the country through Central Hindu School (1898) and Banaras Hindu Univercity (1916). Annie Besant later guided national politics for about 20 years and Mahamana played important role in preventing the derailment of national movement.

                                                                     After a gap of several decades Varanasi is about to regain the pivotal role of shaping a new India as a world power , materially and spiritually. Presence of Modi and Kejriwal in the election fray only testifies this reality.And there is something non human element in all these development. Modi and Kejriwal both saying that they are the chosen ones. And the chosen ones chose Varanasi to fulfill God given task.

                                                                    Coming back to profane, the city appears t in mood of relaxation. Road show's tiredness , and for some, its after-shocks, took a toll. Modi's rivals are taking stock of the situation afresh -resetting their strategies. In next few days it will become clear  who will have an upper hand and establish himself as a  main challenger to Modi. Modi in the meantime is touring all over the country, to be in the city only in the last leg of elections- perhaps in early May. By that time Kejriwal and Congress candidate Ajay Rai will have to demonstrate before the voters- who is formidable enough to take on Modi.