Secular forces strong enough to prevent Modi winning from Varanasi: Lalu

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday discounted chances of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's victory from Varanasi following the BJP declaring him to be its nominee from that constituency.

"Varanasi is not a small place where any communal leader could easily win. Remember, that it is a secular place and the secular forces which are strong out there are enough to ensure BJP's defeat," Lalu said.

RJD chief got perturbed when he was continuously pressed over Modi's chances on winning the Varanasi seat.

Who is NaMo? Why are you so much bothered about Modi? Can't you see anything beyond Modi? It is his party (BJP) which continues to have an alliance with the Shiv Sena, the latter acting notorious over harassing people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in Maharashtra. Hence, the people will never forget those episodes before they cast their ballot," Lalu added.

On Saturday, the BJP finalized constituencies for senior party leaders including its prime ministerial candidate (Narendra Modi). The party has fielded Modi from Varanasi, which was earlier represented by senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi.