Modi does not reflect composite culture of Varanasi: Kabir Mutt chief

He added that Modi contesting elections from there could 'vitiate' its centuries-old unity between Hindus and Muslims

As the campaign picks up for the high-profile contest, the head of the famous Kabir Mutt here has said Narendra Modi does not reflect the composite culture of this temple town and cautioned that his contesting election from the "sacred place" may "vitiate" its centuries-old unity between Hindus and Muslims.

Sant Vivek Das Acharya, the chief of Kabirchaura Mutt Trust, also severely criticised Modi for trying to "paint" Varanasi as a centre of Hindu religion and said the current political discourse may have a long-term impact on the city's "soul and identity".

"It is very unfortunate for people of Varanasi (that Modi is contesting from here). He is divisive. Modi does not reflect the composite culture of the sacred town," he told PTI.

Kabir Chaura Matt is considered the most sacred place by Kabir Panthis as devotees from across the globe come here, the birthplace of the 15th Century saint -Sant Kabir.

Significantly, two key Hindu religious leaders -- Puri Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshjanand Devtirath and Dwarka Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati -- have also came out against Modi contesting from Varanasi.

Modi is pitted against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Congress candidate Ajay Rai, among others, in the temple town where election will be held on May 12.

Terming Varanasi a confluence of various religious beliefs and symbol of India's core values, Acharya accused Modi and BJP of trying to exploit electoral gain by taking a "narrow view" of the city that it was a nerve centre of Hindu tradition.

"It is a nerve centre of various religions, traditions and ideologies. Kabir had made the city a centre of Indian civilisation. Buddha had come here 2,500 years ago. It is an important place for people belonging to Jain faith," Acharya said.

"They (BJP) will disturb the Hindu-Muslim unity. An artificial wave for him (Modi) is being created. I will not explain, but it is well known how it is being done. How people are being bought over," Acharya said.