Kolkata, Mar 14 (PTI) Thousands of BJP supporters began arriving in Kolkata from various parts of West Bengal since Saturday morning, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mega rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground here.
Modi is scheduled to visit the state in the afternoon to address the rally and inaugurate development projects worth around Rs 18,680 crore, in what will be his first trip to the state after the publication of the post-SIR electoral rolls on February 28.
The rally, organised by the BJP, will mark the culmination of the party’s statewide ‘Parivartan Yatra’ campaign ahead of the assembly elections.
Party workers from across north and south Bengal started reaching the city from early morning, with large groups arriving at the Howrah Railway Station and Sealdah Railway Station.
Trains from various districts, including Burdwan, Malda, Hooghly and several North Bengal districts, brought in large contingents of party supporters, who were received by BJP volunteers at railway station exits.
The party has arranged vegetarian breakfast for the workers.
Supporters are expected to march towards the Maidan area via M G Road and CR Avenue.
A large number of private buses from Purba Medinipur, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas and other districts are also scheduled to enter the city, carrying BJP supporters.
The theme of the dias at the Brigade Parade Ground is an 80-feet-wide stage designed as a replica of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
A massive cutout bearing the slogan ‘Paltano Darkar, Chai BJP Sarkar’ (change is needed, we want a BJP government) has been placed in front of the stage.
The rally venue has a seating arrangement for 40,000-42,000 people.
Around 10,000 party flags, 500 flex banners and 50 large cut-outs have been put up at the Brigade Parade Ground. Besides, over a dozen balloons will be released, some featuring the lotus symbol with the Prime Minister’s image, according to the organisers.
Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed in a multi-layered security ring around the venue, officials said.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) is in charge of security at the main venue, while special units will monitor the crowds, they said.
Meanwhile, some billboards and hoardings with slogans such as ‘Boycott BJP’ and ‘Go Back Modi’ were put up at several locations in the city. PTI BSM RBT MNB
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