Party line doesn't matter here when it comes to Varanasi. Supporters of major political parties in Gujarat are literally making beeline for the holy town! Irrespective of their political alignments, they are thronging to Kashi for one common factor — Narendra Modi, BJP's prime ministerial candidate, who is contesting from Varanasi. Albeit, purposes are different — some are going to campaign for Modi and rest against him.
With polling in Gujarat concluded on April 30, BJP cadres opted for 2-3 days rest and many of them decided to camp at Varanasi to ensure Modi's victory with a huge margin. Gujarat Congress leaders are also on a mission and started heading for 'Kashi' to counter the Gujarat Chief Minister. Even Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers have gone there to support their leader -- Arvind Kejriwal, who is contesting against Modi.
“Air fare from Ahmedabad to Varanasi has touched `25,000. Generally it hovers around `4,000 to `8,000 for Ahmedabad-Delhi-Varanasi flight. But unprecedented demand led to spurt in air fare. Elections coupled with vacation period, train tickets are not available,” says a travel agent.
Top Gujarat BJP leaders, including general secretary Vijay Rupani, Rajya Sabha member Parshotam Rupala, organisational general secretary Bhikhu Dalasania, Gujarat BJP spokesman IK Jadeja and others are already involved in campaigning activities in the UP town.
Congress candidate from Vadodara and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Madhusudan Mistry has also decided to fly to UP. Mistry is also his party's in-charge for Uttar Pradesh. He has handpicked nearly two dozen Congress workers to campaign against Modi in Varanasi.
Nearly 250 AAP workers, including Ahmedabad East lok Sabha candidate Dinesh Vaghela, reached to Varanasi, said Harshil Nayak, Gujarat AAP media in-charge. Nearly 500 more workers are planning to reach there in 3-4 days.