How Modi Turned Varanasi Into a Symbol of Development and Culture

On March 14, 2014, the BJP named then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its candidate from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was a bold move. Varanasi wasn’t a BJP stronghold, and the sitting MP, Murli Manohar Joshi, had only narrowly won in 2009. Modi was also contesting from Vadodara, a much safer seat in Gujarat. But he famously said, “Maa Ganga ne mujhe bulaya hai” (Mother Ganga has called me), showing the deeper meaning behind his choice.

Modi’s decision to run from Varanasi wasn’t just political — it was symbolic. Experts believe it helped him project himself as a leader for all of India, rooted in its ancient culture. Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and a spiritual centre for Hindus, added cultural weight to his campaign.

Though risky, the gamble paid off. Modi won Varanasi in 2014 and kept the seat, giving up Vadodara. He went on to win from Varanasi again in 2019 and 2024, turning it into a BJP stronghold and a key part of his political journey.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Modi has visited Varanasi 52 times and launched development projects worth over ?52,000 crore. The city has seen major changes — improved roads, better ghats, a new airport terminal, railway upgrades, cancer hospitals, a trade centre, and the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. He also modernised the iconic Ganga Aarti, making it a global spectacle.

Locals say Modi has transformed the city. "He made Kashi his home,” said one resident. Another praised the cleaner streets and reduced traffic thanks to the ring road project.

Modi’s presence also helped the BJP gain ground in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where it had struggled for years. His rallies drew huge crowds, and Varanasi became the face of his model of development mixed with cultural pride.

Foreign leaders from Japan, France, Germany, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka have visited Varanasi during his term, further raising the city's global profile.

From a challenging seat to a symbol of national transformation — Modi’s Varanasi journey tells a bigger story about his rise and vision for India.