The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Amid ‘400 paar’ slogans and Ram Mandir songs, PM Modi holds roadshow in Ghaziabad
IN HIS first roadshow in the NCR ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit the campaign trail in G ha zia bad. standing a top an open jeep as it traversed 1.4 km from Maliwada Chowk to Chaudhary Mod at Ambedkar Road, the PM was accompanied by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP’S Ghaziabad pick Atul Garg, and outgoing MP for the constituency General VK Singh.
Interestingly, this is the first time after being denied a ticket that Singh took part in campaigning. Sources said Singh’s presence was important as the party is facing some ire from the Thakur voters after the BJP did not repeat Singh for the third time. Garg, who is currently the Ghaziabad Sadar MLA, will be facing Congress’s Dolly Sharma and BSP’S Nand Kishore Pundir.
As the rally kicked off at 5.30 pm,thousands—fromchildrento the elderly, party leaders and workers — greeted the PM with slogans of ‘Jai Jai Shri Ram ’,‘ Abki Baar 400 Paar’, and ‘Mai Modi Ka Pariwar’. Modi responded with the ‘victory’ sign and waved the party’s Lotus symbol. DJS played songs like ‘Jo Ram ko laaye hain, humunk ola a yen ge’ and‘b ha ratka bach ha- bach haja is hri rambo le ga’ on loop since 2.30 pm.
Before the event began, shops in the area were closed and meat shops were covered with saffron sheets. Heavy security, including CRPF and SPG officials, were deployed in the area.
Expressing thankfulness after the roadshow, Modi said on X that this shows the unwavering faith people have in our governance track record. “Ghaziabad has always supported the BJP. Our party has also always returned the affection with record development. Over the last 10 years, development works, especially those relating to urban infrastructure, connectivity and housing have enhanced ‘Ease of Living’ here,” he wrote. He further said, “In the coming years, we want to do even
Gajendra Yadav more for Ghaziabad. Our focus will be on how to further improve quality of life, enhance facilities for healthcare, education, transportation and more. We want youngsters from Ghaziabad to shine in diverse areas and enrich India’s growth trajectory.”
‘Opp stands no chance’
As the cavalcade arrived, onlookers showered flower petals and jostled with each other to get a photo of the Prime Minister.
Among them was Rekha Devi (52), a housewife from Hindon, who waited three hours to get a glimpse of the PM. “I came here with my family just to see the Prime Minister... He has done good work.” Asked if she benefitted from any central government scheme, she said, “Not much par ration toh milta hai...”
Suraj Narayan Prasad (60), an electrician, said Ghaziabad is a safe seat for the BJP as they have always won it. “I don’t believe the Opposition stands a chance here,” said Prasad.
Lakhan (62), a daily-wage worker, came to the event hoping someone would help him get ration as he has been declared ineligible to avail of it. “... I brought my Aadhaar card also... but none of the leaders listen to me. I have 11 mouths to feed in my family ,” said the Kavi Nagar resident.
Meanwhile, Congress candidate Sharma said she welcomes the PM to Ghaziabad, but said he should not have campaigned for a person with a “tainted” record. “Garg was health minister in the UP government when the pandemic struck. While people were crying for help on the streets, he did not do anything...,” she alleged.