Political Showdown in Varanasi: UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai Alleges House Arrest Ahead of PM Modi's Visit Amidst Planned Protests

In a dramatic turn of events ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai has publicly alleged that he has been placed under house arrest at his residence. The accusations, made on Monday, have ignited a political firestorm, with Rai claiming that police personnel have barricaded his home, preventing him from leaving, even for basic necessities.

According to Rai, a significant police presence, including several vehicles, surrounded his residence, effectively trapping him inside.

"I wanted to go out to meet some people, but my gates have been locked. Police vehicles are parked outside, and I am not allowed to leave for any reason. This is house arrest," Rai stated, expressing strong condemnation of the alleged action by the administration.

The alleged detention comes in the wake of the Congress party's announcement of widespread protests against critical issues such as unemployment and inflation during Prime Minister Modi's visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.

The party had planned a "Mahangai-Berozgar Hatao" (Remove Inflation-Unemployment) agitation, aiming to highlight the public's grievances during the high-profile event.

However, Varanasi police authorities have swiftly and emphatically denied Rai's allegations. Varanasi Police Commissioner Ashok Mutha Jain dismissed the claims as misleading.

"There is nothing like that. It's routine security arrangements. Ajay Rai is trying to mislead the public. There is no official order for his house arrest," Jain clarified, reiterating that the Congress leader was free to move.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi) Ram Sevak Yadav further supported the police's stance, confirming that no such restrictions had been imposed on Ajay Rai.

He emphasized that the police presence was part of standard security protocols implemented for such high-profile visits and not intended to confine any individual.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Varanasi, scheduled to include various developmental project inaugurations and public engagements, has consequently been overshadowed by this political controversy.

The incident underscores the heightened political sensitivities and security measures in place, especially when major national leaders visit key constituencies. As the situation unfolds, both sides remain firm in their assertions, leaving the public to ponder the exact nature of the events at Ajay Rai's residence.