The temple city of Varanasi has turned into a fortress with security forces taking up positions in view of the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's to the constituency starting tonight.
Though the Prime Minister will attend the programme of Saint Ravi Das at Seer Gowardhanpur to offer prayer on the occasion of the 639th birth anniversary of the saint and the 98th convocation function of the BHU tomorrow, but he will be arriving in the city tonight from Kolkata.
Union HRD minister Smriti Irani, Union Social Justice and Empowerment minister Thavar Chand Ghelot and his deputy Vijay Sampla would accompany the him at both the programmes. Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik would also be present.
Officials said security has been strengthened around Varanasi. "Commandoes and snipers of the Central forces besides large contingent of the state police and central para military forces would be deployed for the security of the VVIPs," sources said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Akash Kulhari said here that the besides NSG and SPG commandos, over 8000 police personnel, 20 companies of PAC, 15 companies of Central para military forces have been deployed for the security of the PM.
District Magistrate Rajmani Yadav said here there has been change in the itinerary of PM's visit. As per revised programme, instead of reaching Varanasi from Delhi tomorrow Modi will arrive lBS International Airport from Kolkata at 2210 hrs tonight. The PM will reach DlW Guest House by road for night halt.
He will depart for BHU helipad from DlW helipad by chopper next morning and from BHU helipad he will go to Ravidas temple in Seer Gowardhanpur area by road to offer prayer and take 'Prasad'. After 15 minutes stay at Ravidas temple Modi will return to BHU campus to attend convocation at Amphi Theater ground. He will leave BHU for airport by chopper at 12.55 pm to board his flight back to New Delhi.
This would be the second time that Modi will have a night stay in his constituency. Earlier he had stayed here on November 7, 2014.
Meanwhile, at BHU convocation and fleet rehearsal was made to ensure completion of all the arrangements. At BHU, security personnel were busy with sniffer dogs and metal detectors to make the entire big pandals where around 10,000 students and will remain present on Monday.