New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced his decision to take on Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in this temple city while appealing for support to defeat the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader made the announcement at a rally here this evening after a day-long roadshow around the city during which an egg and ink was thrown at him at two places. While declaring his candidature, he attacked Modi, accusing him of being an "agent" of industrial houses and said that a myth had been perpetuated about the development in Gujarat. He also targeted Rahul Gandhi, saying the 'shahenshah' (emperor) of Congress was also like Modi.
Kejriwal, who had declared earlier that he would contest against Modi from wherever he is fielded, announced his decision after seeking the views of his supporters at the rally in his typical style.
"I want to ask you whether I should contest from Varanasi against Narendra Modi. I am ready to accept this challenge," the former Delhi Chief Minister announced after a day-long road show in this constituency of Uttar Pradesh. "Why do I want to contest from Varanasi, it is because at a time when leaders look for safe seats to fight elections, I take on them to defeat them," he added.
Attacking Modi, Kejriwal said that a myth about Modi having developed Gujarat was being perpetuated by a section of media while in reality the BJP leader was gifting away farmers' land to industrialists and followed policies which were against small businessmen.
Recently, Kejriwal had said that AAP will not just contest elections, but also defeat Modi. (Read: Defeating Narendra Modi in Varanasi main target: Arvind Kejriwal)
Although analysts say there is little likelihood of Kejriwal beating Modi, a challenge in such a high-profile constituency will guarantee maximum media coverage for him and his party.
In the photo Arvind Kejriwal wipes his face after protesters threw black ink on him during a road show in Varanasi (Photo - PTI)
The incident occurred when Kejriwal was exiting the temple after performing prayers ahead of his rally in which he will declare his candidature against BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, they said.
However, the police at the spot denied that any such incident took place.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal sought divine intervention and visited the Kaal Bhairon, Kashi Vishwanath and the Sankat Mochan Temple.He is also expected to take a dip in the Ganges.
While Kejriwal was inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple performing 'abhishek' along with his family and fellow party leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia, Modi supporters raised slogans in support of the Gujarat Chief Minister.
AAP supporters also raised pro-Kejriwal slogans. The AAP, which is standing in its first general election, gained control of the Delhi state Assembly in December after it rode a wave of anger about a series of corruption scandals.
Kejriwal himself briefly became Delhi chief minister after he unseated the incumbent Sheila Dikshit of the Congress party in her constituency.
