NE NEWS SERVICE
COIMBATORE, MARCH 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow here on Monday, amid non-stop chants of ‘Modi, Modi’ by BJP workers and he paid floral tributes to the portraits of 58 people killed here in the 1998 serial bomb blast.
The people of Coimbatore have won me over! The roadshow this evening will be remembered for years and years to come. What was special was the participation of people from all walks of life. These blessings are greatly cherished. pic.twitter.com/01fX6Ho4IB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2024
The roadshow, amid tight police security, comes days after the Madras High Court green-flagged the event, directing the police to allow it with reasonable conditions. The police had initially refused permission citing reasons, including the “communally sensitive” nature of the area, and the ongoing public exams in schools.
Tamil Nadu is going to surprise everyone with the results. Our Party is emerging as a very strong force across the state. The people are in no mood to support the DMK any longer.
Here are some more glimpses from Coimbatore. pic.twitter.com/vW5neiHF2u
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2024
- This is the first time such a roadshow, on a grand scale, has been organised by the BJP in Tamil Nadu, which witnessed a good turnout
- BJP supporters raise “Meendum Modi, Vendum Modi,” (Once again Modi, we want Modi) chorus
- PM Modi is scheduled to address a BJP rally at Salem in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday
- Private school in Coimbatore gets bomb threat
As Modi began his roadshow in an open, flower-decked vehicle, people who gathered on both sides of the road showered flower petals on him, chanted slogans hailing him. While traditional music was played to welcome him, several of them danced and waved at him enthusiastically.
The 1998 Coimbatore terror bombings can never be forgotten. Today while in the city, paid homage to those we lost in those bombings. pic.twitter.com/qxYD31m6uf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2024
This is the first time such a roadshow, on a grand scale, has been organised by the BJP in Tamil Nadu, which witnessed a good turnout.
“Meendum Modi, Vendum Modi,” (Once again Modi, we want Modi) was one of the slogans raised by BJP supporters. Many people who lined up on the roads held lotus flowers in their hands to welcome Modi and raised “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogans.
Clad in a spotless white kurta, Modi sported a colourful BJP shawl and often raised both his hands to wave at people who took vantage positions in buildings to take a glimpse of him.
All along the about 2.5 km route, from Saibaba Colony to RS Puram in downtown Coimbatore, Modi’s vehicle slowly made its way while people followed him on the service lanes.
At the end of the roadshow, Modi paid floral tributes to the portraits of people who were killed in the bomb blast that rocked this textile city in 1998, hours before iconic BJP leader LK Advani was to address a poll meeting on February 14 that year. Fifty-eight people were killed and over a 100 injured. The portraits were placed in a small, makeshift memorial square.
The BJP flags fluttered against the backdrop of colourful lights and festoons and the Prime Minister waved and cheered saffron party workers who were waiting for over an hour to take a look at him. Performances of folk dance and traditional music energised the cadres who sung songs and danced.
This is the first time Modi has held a roadshow here and also this is the first political engagement of the PM following the announcement of the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls by the Election Commission.
BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai, Union Minister of State L Murugan, Coimbatore MLA and BJP Mahila Morcha national president, Vanathi Srinivasan were the three leaders who accompanied the Prime Minister in his vehicle.
PM Modi is scheduled to address a BJP rally at Salem in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.
Private school in Coimbatore gets bomb threat
A private school in Coimbatore received a bomb threat on Monday, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in the city.
Police sources said the private school at Ramanathapuram in the city received a bomb threat through email on Monday morning. After being alerted by the school authorities, the police and members of the bomb detection and disposal squad rushed to the school and conducted searches.
They could not trace any suspicious material from the buildings or the school premises. After carrying out detailed searches, the police confirmed that the email was a hoax threat.
