'Swachh Bharat' nominees pledge to take campaign forward

Bhojpuri actor Manoj Tiwari, singer Kailash Kher and comedian Raju Srivastav pledged here on Saturday to promote the Clean India campaign throughout the country.

The trio was among the nine persons who were nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in Varanasi to take the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' ahead.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, cricketer Mohammad Kaif, Manu Sharma, Padma Shri Devi Parsad Dwivedi and Swami Rambhadracharya were also nominated by the Prime Minister.

Expressing his gratitude over the nomination, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Bhojpuri playback singer and actor Manoj Tiwari said he had further nominated other celebrities.

"I have nominated our famous Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan, another famous actor from Ghazipur- Dinesh Lal, famous T.V. actress Shweta Tiwari, Murtja Jaffari who is from Banaras, Dharmendra Kumar, politician Sushil Singh and Meenaji who encouraged girls," said Tiwari.

"I immediately ran away from Delhi to participate in Swachhta Abhiyaan because our PM has nominated me from Banaras, the land of my livelihood," he added.

Another nominee, renowned playback singer Kailash Kher told ANI, "I am so happy to have the PM's invitation. Even I think alike about cleanliness. This will strengthen my wish and willingness about this mission."

Comedian Raju Srivastav also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

"Modiji is making people indulge in good practice through love and the change is visible," said Srivastav, adding that he will begin the task from Uttar Pradesh and then make it viral throughout the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today initiated the drive towards a clean Ganga, as he participated in 'shramdaan' to remove dirt on the banks of the River Ganga at Assi Ghat in Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered prayers and performed 'Aarti' at the Assi Ghat, said that social organizations in Varanasi had assured him that the work of cleaning the Ghats in the city shall be completed in one month.