'Secular' plot against Modi in Varanasi? - The Times of India
NEW DELHI: The delay in the announcement of a Congress candidate against Narendra Modi for Varanasi seat has led political circles to wonder about possible attempts to hammer out an understanding among "secular" parties against BJP's PM candidate.
While SP and BSP have already announced their candidates, sources said that this does not preclude an unstated pact among them and Congress for making things difficult for Modi.
Sources indicated that the desire to make things difficult for the Gujarat CM was the main reason why Congress has delayed announcing its candidate for the seat.
Congress sources confirmed that the party's choice had narrowed down to two local contenders, Ajay Rai and former MP Rajesh Mishra. But it has dithered on making the announcement despite the fact that whoever gets the nod will need time to prepare for what could be a real hard run.
Indications are that the tacit understanding being attempted by the three players may seek to tilt the social equations: politician's code for caste interplay- against Modi as far as possible.
Candidates of SP and BSP belong to the larger Vaishya fraternity: a collective which is supposed to be sympathetic to Modi's PM aspirations. Ditto for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal who has pitched himself in the Varanasi arena.
The non-BJP parties have spurned calls for putting up a "joint candidate" against Modi, essentially because they will not like to be seen as reluctant about taking on "communal" BJP's PM candidate.
Sources said Congress is likely to hold deliberations for finalizing its choice for Varanasi seat on Sunday. Congress's preference for Ajay Rai and Rajesh Mishra has been influenced by caste considerations. Rai is an acknowledged figure among Bhumihars who have a sizeable presence in the prestigious constituency. Likewise, Mishra's presence in the Congress' short list is being explained by the fact that fellow Brahmins make up a significant chunk of the constituency and the calculation is that the former Congress MP will be able to tap into the alleged sense of hurt among the community over the sitting MP Murli Manohar Joshi having to make way for Modi.
A section of Congressmen from Varanasi wanted the leadership to consider fielding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra against Modi on the ground that she will put up a real fight against Modi. The plea did not find favour with the leadership which, according to sources, feels that a bigger profile for her may muddle the message about brother Rahul being the new party boss.