Shimla bursts at seams during roadshow

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 27

A saffron surge was clearly discernible as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow from AG Chowk to The Ridge via Mall Road and Raj Bhawan with thousands of BJP workers lined up along the barricaded road with party flags around the neck and displaying placards of Modi.

The overzealous workers were crazy to have a glimpse of the Prime Minister but he did not hang out from the car and waved from inside. The workers showered rose petals on his black Range Rover and clicked photographs and selfies.

The town was overcrowded as all roads led to the venue of Parivartan Rally. The public was a bit disappointed as it was expecting that Modi would come in an open jeep but he was sitting adjacent to the driver seat. To add to their disappointment, a number of big screens erected at all vulnerable points to watch the PM’s rally live was not working.

Intermittent rain since early morning threatened to play a spoilsport but BJP workers carrying umbrellas braved the inclement. However, the rain stopped when the rally started and clouded sky proved a blessing in disguise as people were saved from scorching sun. Slogans of “Modi ji ko Jai Shri Ram” rent the air as the motorcade passed. The residents were hoping to see him again on his return but the route was changed and workers kept waiting.

Deepak Sharma, a local BJP leader having long association with Modi, was lucky as he had a small chat with Modi at Annandale helipad who asked whether he still visited the Jakhu temple every day. However, the commoners faced inconvenience as all routes leading to Mall Road in the 500 metres radius of The Ridge were blocked by security men. Even BJP workers failed to reach the venue from the Lakkar Bazar side due to massive rush. The administration had removed street vendors and hawkers from the road, resulting in loss of earning for three days.

Weather no deterrence 

• The workers showered rose petals on Modi's black Range Rover and clicked photographs and selfies
• The public was a bit disappointed as it was expecting that Modi would come in an open jeep but he was sitting adjacent to the driver seat.
• Many contingents of BJP workers from Kinnaur, Kullu and Jubbal Kotkhai arrived at the venue, dancing to the tune of "natti", at Scandal Point. People with Modi mask and BJP scarf around the neck were visible everywhere
• The rain stopped when the rally started and cloudy sky proved a blessing in disguise as people were saved from scorching sun