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A group of ten students were detained outside the venue, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the massive BJP rally on Sunday in Bengaluru, for selling pakodas. Modi will land at the HAL airport in the heart of the city at 3.30 pm in the afternoon, take a chopper to the venue and address the rally around 4 pm, reported
Deccan Herald
. In the run-up to the state election, due in late April and early May this year, BJP conducted the yatra, crisscrossing nearly all the 224 constituencies of the Assembly across the state after its national president, Amit Shah, flagged it off in November 2017. [caption id=“attachment_4329453” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PTI[/caption] The yatra, held with a view to bring BJP back to power in the southern state on the plank of transforming Karnataka through development, was led by its state unit president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and party’s other state leaders. Besides Modi, party’s central ministers Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal who are in-charge of the BJP poll campaign in Karnataka, Ananth Kumar, DV Sadananda Gowda and Ananthkumar Hegde who hail from the state and the party’s all-state leaders will also participate in the rally and address the public. No stone left unturned Elaborate arrangements have been made for Modi’s visit to the IT hub. According to
The News Minute
, 20 LED screens, three helipads and a mini healthcare unit are being set up at the venue, where the prime minister will address the rally. The report also stated that 40 departments have been created within BJP to make necessary arrangements for the rally. Over four cooking halls with 600 cooks are being set up to prepare food in 250 counters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Auto-tippers and compactors have also been hired to remove garbage from the venue after the event is over. All roads leading to the palace grounds have been covered in saffron with a huge 40 x 80 feet stage set up at a height of 20 feet from the ground to accommodate 22 leaders, reported Deccan Herald
. With a focus on attracting young voters and supporters, the BJP had decided to create a separate seating space for techies who wish to attend the event. “We have invited thousands of youth, especially techies and executives of IT and biotech companies in the city to personally listen to Modi’s speech though it will also be telecast live on news channels and available on YouTube,” asserted a party official. The party’s state unit has opened an online registration and is using the social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to personally invite the youth, techies, educated class and prominent citizens to the venue, assuring them of seating arrangements. “About 30,000 people from across the city have responded, expressing interest in attending the rally and listen to Modi’s speech. We hope most of them will turn up as elaborate parking facility has been made for their vehicles at the venue,” added the official. “Even if we take conservative estimates, a minimum of 10,000 to 15,000 of these techies and urban voters will attend the rally on 4 February,” a
Times of India
report quoted a party member as saying. Apart from this, party volunteers will hand-deliver special passes to the registered techies and ply a special bus service to ferry their supporters to the venue from across the city, the report added. Several workers and supporters from across Karnataka are also expected to attend the rally. According to
The Hindu
, more than 25,000 supporters from Chitradurga will be transported in 400 buses to the city to attend Modi’s rally. Meticulous security arrangements have also been made for the rally at the sprawling venue in the city centre where the party is expecting at least one lakh people to attend and listen to Modi’s speech. Though Modi was scheduled to address the rally on 28 January, on the conclusion of the three-month yatra that began in Bengaluru on 1 November, it was put off to 4 February, owing to his pre-occupation with other engagements. “As the Budget Session of the Parliament was beginning on 29 January and the Union Budget was to be presented on 1 February, Modi could not attend the rally on last Sunday as he was busy then,” a party functionary told IANS. Bandh called off, protesters to observe ‘black day’ Pro-Kannada organisations
called off the bandh in Bengaluru
on Sunday, which was meant to coincide with Modi’s election rally in the city, after the Karnataka High Court on Friday termed it “unconstitutional”. The high court stayed the bandh, called by pro-Kannada farmers’ groups in the city, on Sunday on the Mahadayi water dispute issue. Passing an interim order, a division bench of acting Chief Justice HG Ramesh and Justice PS Dinesh Kumar asked the Siddaramaiah government to take appropriate steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order on that date. The same pro-Kannada organisations had called for a shutdown on 25 January during Shah’s visit to the state. The protesters will instead observe a “black day” on Sunday. The bandh was called to protest the “inaction” by the central and state governments to resolve the Mahadayi river water sharing row. The high court bench observed that the bandh calls given by Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha on 25 January and 4 February “violate(s) the democratic rights of citizens”. Meanwhile, the Congress-led state government in Karnataka dismissed allegations of batting for the bandh during the prime minister’s visit. “I am not so cheap to back a bandh opposing prime minister’s visit,”
News18
quoted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as saying. With inputs from agencies
Modi in Bengaluru updates: 'Karnataka govt setting new records in corruption, criminals ruling roost in state,' says PM
Narendra Modi will land at the HAL airport at 3.30 pm in the afternoon, take a chopper to the venue and address the rally around 4 pm
)
Meanwhile, members of various farmers’ organisations staged a protest in Bengaluru over Mahadayi river water dispute. They have been detained by the police, ANI reports.
Siddaramaiah swipes back at BS Yeddyurappa, says, “Only a person totally lacking in Kannada Swabhimana can call Karnataka number 1 corrupt state”
Visuals of the crowd at the Parivarthan Yatra rally in Bengaluru
Govt sanctioned 3.36 lakh houses, but only 38,000 houses completed so far in Karnataka: Modi in Bengaluru
“We aim to provide homes to all poor and middle-class families. Our government has sanctioned 3.36 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). However, only 38,000 houses have been completed so far in Karnataka,” Modi said at the Parivarthan Yatra rally.
There are serious allegations of corruption against Congress leaders: PM in Bengaluru
“There are serious allegations of corruption against Congress leaders,” Modi said at the Parivarthana rally in Bengaluru. “Reports are coming about them demanding commission in several projects. I have been told that Karnataka govt is being recognised as 10% govt as no work is possible without 10% commission,” he added. He also accussed the Congress party of trying to stall the triple talaq and the OBC Bill.
Modi shifts focus to healthcare at rally
Modi is now speaking about healthcare in the state, reiterating the big healthcare announcement in the budget that is intended to benefit the lowest sections of the society.
Input by Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Modi refers to the Under 19 team’s victory in Bengaluru speech
“Our Under 19 Cricket Team won World Cup yesterday. Their head coach Rahul Dravid was a significant factor behind this victory and this can’t be denied. He teaches us to work honestly and live for others,” Narendra Modi said in a lighter moment in his speech. “That is the spirit of the people of Karnataka – they work for others selflessly…but the present state govt is ruining this culture,” he added.
Modi’s speech focuses on rural issues
With a speech largely geared towards the rural public, Narendra Modi lists a series of initiatives for rural development. He also said that a “farmer’s son” Yeddyurappa will be good for farmers in Karnataka.
Input by Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
‘Operation Green’ for farmers will be beneficial for farmers just like the Amul model, PM says
“Farmers producing fruits and vegetables are our ‘TOP’ priority. ‘TOP’ means ‘Tomato, Onion and Potato’! We have launched ‘Operation Green’ in the interest of these farmers. ‘Operation Green’ will be beneficial for farmers just like the Amul model was successful in dairy,” Modi said in Bengaluru
Chot ka jawaab vote se dena hai: Modi in Bengaluru
Referring to the alleged killings of some RSS and BJP workers in the state, Modi asserted, “Chot ka jawaab vote se dena hai!” (Retaliate to these wounds with votes.)
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters
Modi takes another jibe at the Congress regime in Karnataka
“Jahan pura desh, pragati ke taraf badh raha hai, Karnataka mein ulti ganga beh rahi hai,” Modi said, hinting that under Congress, Karnatak was not on the path of development like the rest of the nation.
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters
Youth are not job seekers now, but job generators: PM in Bengaluru
Modi says youngsters are now not job seekers but job generators. “We have had entrepreneurs who are providing jobs to so many people. And hence we are making loan sanctioning process easier,” he said in the Bengaluru rally
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters
Narendra Modi advocates for BS Yeddyurappa to become the next CM of Karnataka
Grameen retail agricultural market will only benefit Karnataka if Yeddyurappa becomes CM: Modi in Bengaluru
“To help farmers we are going to start Grameen Retail Agricultural Market, where they will receive the proper price for their crops. But this will only benefit Karnataka completely if BS Yeddyurappa becomes the CM,” Modi said at the BJP rally
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters
“During the Congress regime, farmers have had to face a lot of trouble. They have protested and been beaten up too. But we have decided to change that,” Modi said at the rally
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters
In this year’s Budget, 160 km long suburban railway network will be started in Bengaluru: Modi in Bengaluru
People of Karnataka have not felt benefits of Central assistance: PM in Bengaluru
“Union government has been repeatedly allocating benefits and money to Karnataka. But the city has not received any of it. There has been no positive change since it is the Congress government in the state,” Narendra Modi said in Bengaluru
Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters
More visuals from the Parivarthan Yatra rally in Bengaluru
Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka: PM in Bengaluru
“Your enthusiasm shows that the countdown of Congress to make an exit has begun. Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn’t need a Congress culture,” Narendra Modi said in Bengaluru
Watch: PM Narendra Modi addresses gathering of supporters at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru
Narendra Modi felicitates BS Yeddyurappa at Parivarthan Yatra rally in Bengaluru
**“Karnataka will help you realise your dream of Congress-**mukt Bharat,” BS Yeddyurappa promises Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Input by Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Visuals of Narendra Modi being welcomed at the ‘Parivarthan Yatra’ rally in Bengaluru
The crowd fills up to the Parivarthan Yatra theme song at the venue. “We want BS Yeddyurappa as our chief minister,” the audience cheers at the rally.
Input by Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Modi’s chopper does a fly by at the venue and the crowd goes wild. The prime minister has now arrived at the venue
Input by Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Visuals of students attempting to sell pakoras outside the venue of Modi’s rally in Bengaluru.
Narendra Modi’s Bengaluru rally can be followed live on the @BJP4India and @BJP4Karnataka Twitter and Facebook accounts and via phone on the number 9345014501 as well, BJP states
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Palace Grounds, the venue of his public rally in Bengaluru. Follow his speech live here:
Karnataka Congress fires salvo against Modi ahead of his rally in Bengaluru
Ahead of Narendra Modi’s public rally in Bengaluru, Karnataka Congress tweeted out a video against the prime minister. “During the 2014 Election Campaign, you made several promises to the people of Karnataka but kept none of it,” the party said in the tweet.
BS Yeddyurappa responds to Siddaramaiah’s comment asking Modi to ‘find time’ to resolve Mahadayi water dispute
Responding to chief minister’s tweets, where he asked Modi to “find time” to resolve the inter-state Mahadayi River water row with neighbouring Goa, Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa alleged that Karnataka has scripted several firsts like corruption, farmers suicide and the collapse of law and order under Siddaramaiah’s regime.
Read more hereCrowds seek respite from the searing heat in tents outside the venue of Narendra Modi’s rally in Bengaluru
Input from Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Around 2 lakh people are expected to attend the rally, according to BJP insiders
Input from Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters
Group of students try to sell pakodas outside Narendra Modi’s rally venue
According to News18 , ten students attempted to sell pakodas outside Palace Grounds, the venue where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at the BJP rally shortly. Police personnel detained the group, the report stated. Modi had earlier said in an interview, “If a person selling pakodas earns Rs. 200 at the end of the day, will it be considered employment or not?”
WATCH: Why this Bengaluru businessman thinks Narendra Modi is a good leader
Bengaluru-based businessman Govinder Verma feels Narendra Modi is a dyanmic leader. “Modiji’s policies are progressive and benefit the nation and the general public. He is a dynamic leader who takes courageous steps with confidence. I think there is no other leader who equals him in his power and precision,” he said.
Input from Ayswarya Murthy/ 101Reporters
WATCH: Bengaluru businessman on why he supports BJP
Govinder Verma, a businessman from Bengaluru, sits outside the venue under the tents. He won’t be going inside but will listen to Modi from right outside the venue, under the shade.
He said, “The BJP works efficiently in a cooperative manner. Moreover, they go for progressive policies and there is no corruption or division within the party.”
Speaking of BS Yeddyurappa, Verma says, “He was earlier a chief minister and according to time, he has changed” his approach. “Earlier, had he not left the BJP, Congress would not have come to power. He has learnt from his mistakes and has rejoined BJP again,” he added.
Input from Ayswarya Murthy/ 101Reporters
Chitradurga farmer hopes Narendra Modi will address the issue of water shortage in the district
Gurudas Ram, a farmer from Chitradurga is at the BJP rally in Bengaluru as he hopes that the prime minister will speak about the water shortage issue in his district. He said that as a farmer, his main concern is water and since Congress government has not been able to solve the crisis, he hopes the BJP can.
Input from Nivedita Niranjankumar/ 101Reporters
1,000 e-toilets at venue
According to The New Indian Express , the state BJP media coordinator said that 1,000 e-toilets have been constructed at the Palace Grounds.
Tourism minister Priyank Kharge takes a dig at Modi, says Karnataka is ahead in most sectors
CM Siddaramaiah urges Narendra Modi to help resolve Mahadayi water dispute
War of words between BJP, Congress on Twitter ahead of Narendra Modi’s speech