Kejriwal says no permission needed for Ganga aarti, invites Modi to an open discussion

Varanasi: In a dramatic turn of events in Varanasi, the battle between the BJP and the AAP has turned into a high octane fight. As BJP PM candiadte Narendra Modi cancelled the Ganga aarti in Varanasi after the denial of permission for holding a rally, his rival and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has hit out at him saying that he is trying to draw political mileage from it.

"Modi ji given permission for Ganga arti. Yet rather than performing arti, he is trying to draw political mileage. Sad," Kejriwal tweeted.

He took a jibe at Modi saying that the intention should be clear while performing rituals, a permssion isn't needed. "I went alone one day and performed arti. No one stopped me. I will again go with my wife today and do arti. Neeyat saaf honi chahiye (intention should be clear)," he said."If you wanted to offer prayer and perform aarti, than wouldn't have needed the permission of the Election Commission, you need EC permission for political activities," he added.

He said that the BJP is nervous as its all top leaders have landed in Varanasi. "BJP top brass landed in Kashi. Shows their nervousness. Will they be able to save Modi ji from defeat?" he said.

He also invited Modi to an open discussion. "I invite Mr Modi for an open discussion on a public platform. Let Kashi people ask straight questions from both of us. Time place his choice."

The Election Commission on Wednesday denied permission to Narendra Modi for holding a rally in Varanasi citing security issues; however, its other two events scheduled on Thursday were cleared by the commission. Protesting over it, Modi had cancelled Ganga aarti, which was scheduled at 4 pm today.