Election 2014: No big name from Congress against Narendra Modi in Varanasi

Lucknow: The Congress on Tuesday decided to field local MLA Ajay Rai in Varanasi against BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi, instead of one of the heavyweights seeking that ticket.
Mr Rai, 45, MLA from Pindra, is little known nationally but is considered one of the most powerful politicians in Varanasi.

A five-term MLA, he has strong grassroots support and is known for his money and muscle power. He also has the support of over 2.25 lakh Bhumihars in the constituency.

Mr Rai was earlier a BJP MLA from Varanasi and was known as a staunch loyalist of Rajnath Singh when the latter was UP Chief Minister. He left the BJP in 2009 and quit the Assembly, got re-elected as an Independent and then joined the Congress.

A local BJP leader said, “The Congress will now put up a spirited fight against Mr Modi. Some BJP workers may also support Mr Rai.”

People in Varanasi feel that if mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari does not contest in Varanasi, Mr Rai could well grab a chunk of Muslim and Bhumihar votes, but the two may get divided if Mr Ansari contests.

Even Congressmen feel he is the party’s best bet against Mr Modi. “This is a master stroke by the Congress. We have pitted Rajnath’s one-time loyalist against Narendra Modi. Ajay Rai knows Varanasi well, and also the BJP’s weakest points. He will fare better than any other ‘heavyweights’ who were willing to contest against Mr Modi,” said a Congress legislator.