Modi brings own lunch box to Varanasi meeting

At a recent public rally held in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought his own lunch to the gathering which prompted the enthusiastic BJP party workers to post on social media about how “such equality is only possible in BJP”.

At the event, everyone was asked to bring their own food and even though Modi had an open invite to share with others, he went a step further and brought his own box. Over lunch he is reported to have urged BJP workers to make the masses aware of mobile banking and the “positive” effects of demonetization.

Around 26,000 booth committee members from nearly 1,771 booths and 17 mandals of the constituency attended the meeting held in the DLW (Diesel Locomotive Works) grounds in Varanasi. Separate areas were demarcated for workers of each mandal. After his speech, Modi went to every mandal in an open vehicle and encouraged them saying he had come for ‘darshan’ of party workers.

City transformed into fortress

The DLW Inter College grounds was decked up for the function. Six LED screens have been installed in various corners of the ground so that those seated far from the stage may get a clear view. The city has been transformed into a virtual garrison with thousands of police personnel patrolling the streets to ensure fool-proof security. The police personnel will be assisted by eight companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary, four companies of NDRF and two companies each of CISF and ITBP.

As many as 100 CCTV cameras have been installed in the vicinity of the DLW premises while overhead water tanks have been transformed into watch towers with security personnel perched atop. The elite Special Protection Group (SPG), which is directly responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has been camping in the city since Friday.

The question of equality?

The doubt persists in people’s minds that the real reason for everyone carrying their own lunch is still demonetization. How can the BJP afford this spectacle to the nation right now? The reassuring spectacle of a ruling party’s ability to feed thousands of its party cadres when the country is half-starved in the wake of “notebandi” since November? Better if everyone carries his own lunch! Including the Prime Minister cum star campaigner of the BJP.

–UDAAN