Puducherry: With the Union Territory heading to the Assembly elections on April 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaign on Friday by holding a high-profile roadshow in Puducherry, drawing enthusiastic crowds and tight security arrangements across the city.
The NDA alliance in Puducherry, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the All India NR Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the AIADMK, and other regional partners, is seeking to consolidate its position in the upcoming polls.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Chennai from New Delhi earlier in the day via a special flight.
From Chennai airport, he proceeded to Puducherry by helicopter, underscoring the importance the BJP leadership is placing on the Union Territory’s electoral battle.
Upon his arrival at Puducherry airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Chief Minister Rangasamy along with senior BJP leaders and party functionaries.
The reception marked the beginning of a carefully choreographed campaign event aimed at energising party workers and attracting undecided voters.
From the airport, PM Modi travelled by car to the Ajanta Signal Junction, where he began an extensive roadshow in an open-top vehicle.
The roadshow, which stretched to the Raj Theatre, drew large crowds, with people lining both sides of the route.
Supporters showered flower petals, waved party flags, and chanted slogans as the Prime Minister acknowledged them from atop the vehicle.
The atmosphere along the route was festive, with BJP cadres and members of allied parties turning out in large numbers.
The roadshow is seen as a key campaign push to boost the NDA’s prospects just days before polling.
Given the Prime Minister’s visit, authorities imposed a stringent five-layer security arrangement across Puducherry.
The entire route was heavily guarded, and the use of drones was strictly prohibited to prevent any security breaches.
Police personnel and central security forces were deployed in large numbers to ensure the event’s smooth conduct.
After concluding his campaign programme in Puducherry, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to return to Chennai by helicopter later in the evening.
With campaigning entering its final phase, the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to provide significant momentum to the NDA alliance as it gears up for the crucial April 9 vote.
–IANS
