In a display of fervent support, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers turned out in large numbers on a cold and foggy Wednesday evening to welcome their newly elected Uttar Pradesh state president, Pankaj Chaudhary, to the holy city of Varanasi. This marked Chaudhary's first visit to Kashi after assuming the crucial state leadership role.
A Grand Welcome Despite Harsh Weather
Braving the challenging winter conditions, party members, public representatives, and office bearers gathered at designated points along the route from the Varanasi border. Chaudhary's journey by road from Gorakhpur via Ghazipur faced delays, but the dedicated cadre waited patiently to receive their leader. The atmosphere was electrified with resonant chants of 'Har Har Mahadev', the blowing of conch shells, and the rhythmic beats of damrus and drums.
As his convoy entered Varanasi from Kaithi and proceeded towards the circuit house, the welcome unfolded as a continuous celebration. Party workers showered the cavalcade with flower petals and raised slogans along the entire travel route. The path itself was adorned with BJP flags and banners, while thousands of hoardings bearing welcome messages for the state president were installed at various locations.
Key Leaders Extend a Warm Reception
The formal welcome ceremonies began at Kaithi, where BJP Kashi regional unit president Dilip Singh Patel and Rajya Sabha MP Amarpal Maurya, who is also the Kashi region in-charge, garlanded Chaudhary. The reception gained momentum at subsequent stops, featuring prominent local leaders.
At the next point, Ajagara MLA Tribhuvan Ram, district president and MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, along with their teams, gave a rousing reception. The welcome continued at Sandhaha, where Uttar Pradesh minister Anil Rajbhar was present with a large contingent of supporters.
As the convoy entered the city limits, the series of welcomes intensified. At the Ashapur flyover, Varanasi mayor Ashok Tiwari, BJP city president Pradeep Agrahari, and general secretary Jagdish Tripathi garlanded the state president. Further receptions were led by UP minister Ravindra Jaiswal at Pahadiya and by minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ at Kali Mandir.
Final Leg and Preparations for Meetings
The welcome procession continued with City South MLA Neelkanth Tiwari and Alok Srivastava greeting Chaudhary at Police Line, and Cantt MLA Saurabh Srivastava welcoming him at Kachehri crossing. Following this extensive public reception, Chaudhary finally reached the circuit house for a night stay.
At the circuit house, he was greeted by several senior party functionaries, including former MLCs Shivnath Yadav, Kedarnath Singh, Veena Pandey, former mayor Ramgopal Mohle, and regional media in-charge Navratan Rathi, among others.
On Thursday, the new state president has a packed schedule. He is set to hold a series of meetings with different units of the party in Varanasi before departing for Delhi, outlining his vision and strategy for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.
