Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister and BJP heavyweight Narendra Modi today held a grand roadshow in Bhubaneswar to boost party prospects ahead of the twin elections in the State.
His mega roadshow aimed to bolster its performance in Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha.
Elaborate security arrangement was put in place for the event. The two-km stretch from Ram Mandir Square to Vani Vihar turned into a fortress amid heavy security forces. As many as 55 platoons of forces apart from the SPGs and central forces were deployed for the security of the PM.
All roads leading to the roadshow street have remained closed since this afternoon.
Vehicular traffic was restricted on the route from 2 PM to till the end of the event. During the roadshow, Bhubaneswar MP and BJP State president Manmohan Samal accompanied the Prime Minister while thousands of people on both side of the road greeted him.
Odisha’s rich heritage and culture was reflected during the event as many cultural programmes were organised besides the road.
After finishing the event, Modi drove straight to Raj Bhavan where he will spend the night.
He is scheduled to address three rallies in Kandhamal, Balangir and Bargarh Lok Sabha parliamentary seats on Saturday.
Lotus Going To Bloom In Odisha: Modi
Speaking to a national media soon after the roadshow, Modi said a big turning point is in the offing in Odisha. The lotus (BJP symbol) is going to bloom in Odisha. “I had never seen such enthusiasm among the people of Odisha earlier,” said Modi.
Clarifying on the alliance talk, Modi said that BJP and BJD are two separate parties. “We got issue-based support in Parliament from BJD. But, our fight in the State Assembly continued. Because Odia Asmita (pride) and identity are in danger in the State.
Modi said, “We are committed to make the lotus blossom in Odisha. Our only objective is to connect to the people, which is not happening in the state currently.”
