New Delhi: After intense speculation, has confirmed that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi and present a direct challenge to 's prime ministerial candidate Narendra .

He also said that he will first ask the people of Varanasi. "Will hold rally in Varanasi, if people want me to, will contest against Modi from there," he said.

The announcement came during an election rally in Karnataka. The announcement was in consistence with 's earlier declaration that will contest from Varanasi if contest from the Uttar Pradesh's constituency.

On Saturday, BJP election committee decided that Narendra Modi will contest the upcoming polls from Hindi heartland's Varanasi district to give further boost to the prevalent pro-Modi environment in the state.

said that party has already given him the ticket and now he wants the people of Varanasi to give him the ticket as well.

Post the announcement, Kejriwal attacked Modi for playing a safe game by contesting from two seats.

will hold rally in March 23.