Security in Varanasi has been beefed up ahead of filing of nomination by BJP leader Narendra Modi on Thursday. A high-level police team from Gujarat has arrived there to ensure a foolproof cordon around him. Additional security forces have been deployed across the city in and around Banaras Hindu University, Kashi Vidyapeeth and Vishwanath temple, which are likely to be visited by Modi during his visit to the city.

Thursday is the last day of filing of nomination for Varanasi constituency. Election will be held there on the 12th of next month.

Gujarat's Chief Minister has been challenged by Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal in the constituency along with a number of other contestants including Congress' Ajay Rai.