Retired judge, boatman, weaver, singer to propose Modi's nomination

, Apr 23: A retired high court judge who is the grandson of noted educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya will be among four prominent personalities to propose

's nomination for Lok Sabha

here.

A renowned singer from Benares, a weaver and a boatman will be among other proposers of Modi's candidature. Modi will be filing his nomination papers tomorrow, the last date of filing papers. Varanasi will go to polls on May 12, the last phase of polling. Madan Mohan Malaviya's grandson Giridhar Malaviya, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, will be propose Modi's nomination.

Madan Mohan Malaviya, a four-time former president of Indian National Congress, was also the founder of the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia. Among the other Modi proposers are Padma Vibhushan winner Chhandu Lal Mishra, a noted classical singer of Benaras, boatman Virbhadra Nishad and Ashok, representing the dominant weaver community here, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said here.

He said all those proposing Modi's candidature are renowned in their respective fields. Asked if Modi will retain the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat or not since he is also contesting from Vadodra, Prasad said "my estimate is that he has earnestly served Gujarat.

He came here as he loves Benaras. He will take a final call on the issue." The BJP leader said "Modiji will win Varanasi with a thumping majority. BJP will do exceedingly well in states where the party is not very strong including in Odisha and West Bengal and in southern states."

PTI