Modi gives up Vadodara, retains Varanasi (Lead, Changing dateline)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said he had given up his Vadodara Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat and retained the Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh.

"I will represent Varanasi in (the) Lok Sabha and I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to serve Ganga Maa and work for Varanasi's development," Modi said in a series of tweets.

"I assure (the) people of Vadodara I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Vadodara's development scales newer heights in the years to come."

In another tweets, the former Gujarat chief minister said: "Resigned from Vadodara LS seat. Due to people's affection, got elected by historic margin. Will always remain grateful to people of Vadodara."