Saturday marked the final day of voting in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency of Varanasi witnessing a steady flow of voters. The ancient city, known as Kashi, was adorned with tricolor balloons and banners, creating a festive atmosphere at the polling booths. Citizens of all ages, accompanied by their families, made their way through the narrow lanes of Varanasi to exercise their democratic right. The voters displayed a strong belief in democracy and a clear understanding of their constitutional right to vote. In the days leading up to the elections, residents of Varanasi expressed their expectations for more job opportunities, better living conditions, and government accountability. Anushya Sinha, a first-time voter, emphasized the importance of voting as a constitutional right and shared her hopes for continued development in the city. Boat driver Raju Sahni, a long-time resident of Varanasi, voiced his support for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and highlighted the positive changes in the city under their governance. He expressed concern about the potential impact of a change in government on the ongoing development projects in Varanasi. Boatman Raju Sahni had to park his boat away from the Dashashwamedh Ghat due to traffic. He expressed excitement about the new detachable infrastructure and floating jetties in the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, anticipating their usefulness during the upcoming monsoon season. Anchoring his boat at a newly built floating jetty, he observed the steep and foul-smelling steps leading to Dashashwamedh Ghat’s neighborhoods, which were under construction in some areas.
As a crowd of pilgrims emerged from a temple, clogging the narrow streets, it was evident they were tourists from South India. Meanwhile, voters patiently waited in line at a polling station decorated with Indian flag-colored balloons, showing courtesy to an elderly voter who arrived.
Local savory seller Dilip Kumar, a voter, praised the developments in the constituency over the past decade, attributing the positive changes to Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized the need for continued progress, particularly in job creation and inflation control. Nearby, a group of men engaged in political discussions while enjoying paan at a shop.
In another neighborhood, INC worker Arvind Kumar Rai assisted voters at a polling booth, expressing concerns about unemployment among the youth. First-time voter Ragini Kaloujia emphasized the importance of job opportunities over political rhetoric surrounding temples and mosques.
Rikshaw operator Santosh, a Modi supporter, voiced frustration over missing his name on voting lists despite his admiration for the Prime Minister’s efforts for change. Back at Assi Ghat, coconut seller Dilip Kumar, benefiting from increased tourism since Modi’s election, reflected on the positive impact of the Prime Minister’s tenure on his livelihood.
The day concluded with Dilip Kumar selling coconuts to passersby at the ghat, grateful for the stability that Modi’s leadership had brought to his life.
Ragini Kaloujia, aged 20, was seen at a polling station in Varanasi on June 1, 2024, along with a friend. The image captured by Venus Upadhayaya for The Epoch Times shows Kaloujia participating in the electoral process.
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