Priyanka would have defeated Modi in Varanasi, says Congress candidate

Mumbai: Ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi fighting the elections from Varanasi, the Congress on Thursday announced that Ajay Rai would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress had fielded Ajay Rai against PM Modi in 2014 as well.

Rai had finished third in the contest, after Modi and Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal.

Correspondent: What are the issues on which you will challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
Ajay Rai: PM Modi had come to Varanasi in 2014 and promised to make Varanasi another Kyoto.
He had said that jobs would be created, factories would be set up. But unfortunately, nothing has happened. Some Chinese lights have been put up on roads and government hospitals.
On the other hand, the city’s heritage has been destroyed by demolishing houses along the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. The people of Varanasi have been overlooked in its own development story.

Correspondent: But people of Varanasi seem satisfied.
Rai: The people are scared. They are scared of false cases being filed against them... about their children and that is why they are not speaking. On May 19, the people of Varanasi will give their decision.

Correspondent: It is speculation that there was rife about Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Varanasi.
Rai: If Priyanka Gandhi had come to Varanasi, it would have been good and PM Modi would have lost.

Correspondent: How do you think the Gatbandhan would fare?
Rai: The Gathbandhan is supporting the BJP. Why did they not wait for Congress to announce its candidate before fielding their own candidate?

Correspondent: Which communities would come out in favour of the Congress?
Rai: We will get the votes of Brahmins, Bhumihars, Muslims and poor people across board.