Kejriwal tries to outdo Modi with mega roadshow

After Narendra Modi, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Friday held an impressive roadshow in Varanasi and derided the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate for resorting to "helicopter and corrupt politics".

Kejriwal, who is contesting against Modi from this Lok Sabha constituency, reached the gate of Banaras Hindu University in the afternoon along with other party leaders and hordes of supporters.

…

Addressing the public, Kejriwal said it was a historical election and people of Kashi will have to decide "whether they will support corrupt politics presented by Modi, or they will choose clean politics, politics for love and respect”.

"I know you will support our movement to clean the system. I had gone to Rohaniya and adjoining areas and got the impression that 70 per cent people will support AAP," he said.

…

Kejriwal alleged that Modi was doing politics even on Ganga aarti. "He told lies. He was given permission to perform the Ganga aarti, but he did not perform it.”

"I performed the Ganga aarti along with my wife on Thursday. Nobody prevented us. The person who is trying to exploit the Ganga aarti for political mileage and politicise the issue, that person should not be supported.”

…

"He (Modi) came by helicopter before elections for two hours, do you think he will come here after elections? I will always be with you. I will be always there for Kashi and be with you to help you. This time helicopter politics will not work," he said.

Kejriwal began his roadshow from rural parts of the constituency before reaching the BHU gate, the same venue where top BJP leaders also held dharna on Thursday to protest against election authorities.

…

While voicing confidence of his victory with a "huge margin", Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying all tactics including communal and caste politics, as well as "violence and bribing of media" to woo voters.

Kejriwal said contrary to BJP's claims and certain media reports, Modi will suffer a big defeat, as people of Varanasi know the reality.

…

Notwithstanding scorching heat with temperatures soaring past 45 degrees, campaigning has intensified in this temple town. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will also hold a roadshow in Varanasi on Saturday to seek votes for party candidate Ajay Rai.

Kejriwal has been campaigning extensively here for about one month, especially in rural and minority-dominated areas.          

All the top leaders of the AAP are also in Varanasi, while Friday's roadshow was being attended among others by Bhagvant Mann, Vishal Dadlani and Gul Panag, who led a bike rally also on Thursday.

Click NEXT for more photo features...

...