‘Paanwala’ seeks appointment with PM

VARANASI: A paanwala of Kashi has sought an appointment with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of the concerns of betel sellers during his two-day visit to the city.

Rajendra Chaurasiya, president of Akhil Bharatiya Paan Vikreta Sangh, gave a petition at the local office of Modi in Ravindrapuri colony on Thursday requesting an appointment during his visit. Modi is arriving here on a two-day visit on Friday.

“The famed Banarasi Paan may come under government control if the new policy on the use of tobacco products comes into effect,” said Chaurasiya adding that the policy would restrict the paan walas to use open (unbranded) surti (tobacco), zarda, sadi patti in paan.

Besides, no betel shop would be allowed to exist in 100-meter periphery of religious place and academic institutions, he said adding that it is not practical. “We have urged an appointment with the PM to apprise him of our concerns,” said Chaurasiya.