Ganges linked me to Varanasi: Modi

Along with BJP president Rajnath Singh and party leader Amit Shah, who is a close aide of Modi, the  Prime Minister designate, under whose leadership BJP-led NDA registered a massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls to wipe out the Congress-led UPA  government at the Centre, visited Varanasi for thanksgiving.

Speaking at the Dashashwamedh Ghat after the prayer, Modi said: "The Ganges has linked me with Varanasi. I am the son of this soil."

Thanking people for their support, Modi said: "I was stopped from speaking to my people in Varanasi. Yet, people voted for my silence."

He said he became the son of Varanasi after filing the nomination from the constituency.

He said the act of cleaning India need to started from Varanasi.

"Cleaning our surrounding is also one way of serving India," Modi said.

Huge number of people were seen thronging the way Modi's vehicle moved to reach the bank of the river.

The 'Modi Modi' chants and saffron flags covered the crowd which had gathered in the lanes of the city to catch a glimpse of their candidate whom they voted to the Parliament.

Modi had won both from Varanasi and Vadodara seats in the Lok Sabha.

His victory in Varanasi assumed significance as he was challenged by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriewal.

Earlier in the day, Modi  held a victory rally from the airport to party headquarters in the heart of New Delhi amid massive fanfare.

Addressing BJP workers, Modi said: "I congratulate and thank the workers for the win. Their hardwork and sweat ensured the Lotus shines again in Delhi."

"I thank you for the warm welcome from the airport till here," Modi told BJP Karyakartas as he reached the party headquarters.

With a victory sign and a satisfied smile Modi began his victory rally from the airport on Saturday towards party headquarters.

Arriving to a grand welcome, Modi - dressed in blue and gray - waved to a sea supporters who danced, cheered and beat drums.

After the roadshow, Modi attended a meeting of the party's parliamentary board to decide on the next course of action.

After his visit to Varanasi, Modi will return to Ahmedabad.

Decimating the ruling Congress in a landslide victory, Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to win 285 seats out of 543 that made it the first party to cross the majority mark of 272 on its own in over 30 years.

Riding on an unprecedented wave of expectations coupled with widespread resentment against the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Modi almost singled-handedly bought the BJP-led National Deocratic Alliance (NDA) to a 337-seat-tally.

Sonia and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party meanwhile was routed to just 44 seats, a huge 162 seats short of last time, ending Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure with a humiliating blow.