UP Elections: During the voting in Varanasi, tea stalls became the center of political discussion

As Varanasi gears up for voting, tea stalls in the city buzz with political discussions and tea vendors become busier than usual, making what appears to be an endless supply of steamy hot cups . Tea sellers say that their sales have increased in the last one month, which has led to vigorous campaigning by political parties and leaders.

Some tea shops have had some high-profile visitors. Pappu, who runs a tea stall in Assi area, hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, stopped at ‘Pappu ki Eri’ (tea shop) near Banaras Hindu University when he was returning after offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Union Minister and BJP’s election in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Dharmendra Pradhan was waiting for the Prime Minister at the tea stall.

Modi sitting on a bench inside a tea stall like a common man. When Pappu was asked what he would like to eat, the Prime Minister said, “Banaras ki kulhad chai, jo sab ko pilate ho (Benaras ki kulhad tea that you serve to all).” An online picture shows Modi holding his ‘kulhad’ (earthen cup) as a tea seller pours tea from his kettle into it. Modi, who had talked about selling tea with his father as a child, also interacted with some local people at the tea stall.