 "Raashid Alvi wants to contest from Varanasi")
Congress leader Raashid Alvi Monday urged party president Sonia Gandhi to allow him to contest from Varanasi against BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
A former MP, Alvi told IANS: "I have written to her to allow me to contest from Varanasi. Banaras (Varanasi) is a very secular city, and I am sure people of Varanasi will support me."
Alvi described AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is in the fray from Varanasi, as the "B team of the BJP."
"I am sure the people of Varanasi will support me," said Alvi, a former Congress spokesperson.
Saying India's secular ethos were under threat in this Lok Sabha election, Alvi said in his letter that Varanasi had played a crucial role in forging the country's secular and plural identity.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app