The family of the late shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan has refused to propose the nomination of the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, in Varanasi, saying it wants to remain neutral. They were reportedly approached last week.
There were reports that the grandson of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Giridhar Malaviya, was willing to be one of the four proposers. Though the BJP remained tight-lipped about who the proposers were, a party functionary said they would be drawn from a cross-section of people in the city.
“We intend to ensure that all sections are represented,” the BJP leader said. Among those who are being speculated as possible proposers is a tea-vendor.
Excitement about the impending filing of nomination by Mr. Modi on April 24 and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal on April 23 is building up.
Both the parties have lined up roadshows.
While for the BJP, it will be a show of strength, the AAP wants it to be a modest affair.
“We are not going for a show; it is an election procedure. Arvind will go to the temple first and then to file his nomination,” AAP leader Manish Sisodia told The Hindu.
