Heavy rainfall in Varanasi forced prime minister Narendra Modi to cancel the visit to his constituency on Thursday. PM was scheduled to arrive in the temple town in afternoon for a one-day visit. This is the second time that his visit was cancelled because of bad weather in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, a labourer who was setting up pandal in the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) premises for PM’s address was electrocuted and died on the spot. The DLW premises was reportedly waterlogged because of incessant rains. Efforts were being made to pump out the water since early morning.

Modi was schedule to inaugurate the Trauma Centre of Sir Sundar Lal hospital of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Later on, he had to launch a number of developmental projects including the much awaited ring road and Integrated Power Development Scheme for the city. He was also scheduled to make a public address from DLW premises. He also had to meet some dignitaries and prominent people of his constituency, along with representatives of few NGOs at the airport's VVIP lounge.

#Varanasi people expected MP @narendramodi to be better than his predecessors, but so far he hasn't proved so. More gimmicks less work.

— आशुतोष नारायण सिहं (@AshutoshNSingh) July 16, 2015

The local BJP unit has made elaborate arrangements for PM’s visit.  Due to heavy rain predictions, the Power Grid Corporation of India was asked to make special arrangements for  the event. Sources said lakhs were spent to erect waterproof tent with a capacity of 30,000 people DLW campus. Three technicians were called in from Delhi and a large number of labourers worked round the making the arrangements.

Pm @narendramodi should announce a visit to #vidarbha. May be some good #news for #drought-hit region. #justsaying #Varanasi

— manish kumar (@manishvani) July 16, 2015

Exactly 14 months since PM @narendramodi became #Varanasi MP but condition of living has only worsened, not to speak of improving.

— आशुतोष नारायण सिहं (@AshutoshNSingh) July 16, 2015

Meanwhile, the rainfall since last weekend has put the life out of gear in the city. Many parts of the city including main roads and residential areas are inundated.

After getting elected as MP from the city, PM Modi visited his constituency twice, on November 11 and December 25. He cancelled a visit last October and another on June 28, apart from today’s cancelled visit.

Rs. 9 crore water proof Pandal build by govt. PSU for Modi's rally in #Varanasi Public Money goes waste as Modi canceled rally.

— Aniruddh Sharma (@GreatIndiaFirst) July 16, 2015