Harshita Rai
GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 30th May. The Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most significant constituencies in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi contesting for the third time.
In 2024, the number of candidates vying for this seat has dropped to just six, the lowest in recent history. Initially, 41 candidates filed their nominations, but 33 were rejected, and one withdrew, leaving seven candidates in the fray, including PM Modi and the opposition’s Ajay Rai.
In the 2014 elections, Varanasi had 42 candidates, with Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party finishing second.
This time, the competition is notably reduced, with only six candidates remaining in the fray against Modi. This year, the number of candidates has not even reached double digits.
Athar Jamal Lari (Bahujan Samaj Party)
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded 70-year-old Athar Jamal Lari, who has been active in socialist politics since the 1960s. Lari has held various positions in the Janata Party and contested the Varanasi seat in 1984, albeit unsuccessfully. He also contested the Varanasi Cantonment Assembly seat in 1991 as a Janata Dal candidate and finished second. In 2004, he ran from Apna Dal and came third. In the 2022 elections, he supported the Samajwadi Party and is now contesting from the BSP.
Kolisetti Shiva Kumar (Yug Tulsi Party)
Kolisetti Shiva Kumar of the Yug Tulsi Party is another candidate. Originally from Hyderabad, Kumar is a former board member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and an advocate for cow protection, owning three gaushalas sheltering 1,500 cows. His campaign focuses on declaring the cow as India’s national animal.
Gagan Prakash Yadav (Apna Dal Kameravadi)
Representing Apna Dal Kameravadi, 39-year-old Gagan Prakash Yadav is contesting with the slogan PDM (Pichhra, Dalit, and Muslim). He has the support of Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, with Owaisi himself campaigning for Yadav in Varanasi.
Independent Candidates Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Sanjay Kumar
Two independent candidates, Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, are also contesting against PM Modi. Dinesh Kumar, active in local politics for 15 years, aims to preserve democracy in India. Sanjay Kumar, involved in social welfare work in Delhi, follows Gandhian principles and aims to bring those values into the political arena.
The 2024 elections in Varanasi are shaping up to be a critical test of political influence, with Prime Minister Modi facing a range of challengers from diverse backgrounds and agendas. As the voters prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome in this high-profile constituency will be closely watched and analyzed.
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