Bengaluru : The Karnataka unit of the BJP has launched extensive preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bengaluru on May 10, which is expected to turn into a major political show of strength following the party’s impressive performance in the recently concluded Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam.
The BJP leadership in Karnataka has decided to organise a grand felicitation programme near the HAL Airport to welcome the Prime Minister. The event is expected to attract over 15,000 party workers, office-bearers and supporters from Bengaluru and surrounding districts. Senior party leaders believe the programme will not only celebrate the BJP’s victories in eastern India but also energise the cadre in Karnataka ahead of upcoming political challenges.
Prime Minister Modi is arriving in Bengaluru primarily to participate in a programme organised by the Art of Living Foundation at its Kanakapura Road campus. However, the state BJP has strategically planned a parallel political event to capitalise on the momentum generated by the party’s recent electoral success.
Preparations for the mega reception gathered pace on Wednesday after a crucial coordination meeting was held at the BJP state headquarters in Bengaluru. The meeting was chaired by Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and attended by several senior leaders including former ministers Arvind Limbavali, C. N. Ashwath Narayan, K. Gopalaiah, S. R. Vishwanath, S. Muniraju, C. K. Ramamurthy and BJP state general secretary Nandish Reddy.
After the meeting, Ashoka told reporters that the BJP’s electoral victories in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry were a clear reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and popularity across the country. He said the party also considered its improved performance in Kerala significant, especially after winning three seats in the state.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the BJP into a truly pan-India political force. From the northeast to the south, people are accepting his leadership and governance model. Karnataka BJP workers are proud of this achievement and want to honour him for the party’s success,” Ashoka said.
According to party leaders, Modi is expected to land at HAL Airport around 9 am on Sunday. The felicitation event will be organised in the parking area near the airport premises. BJP workers from various districts have been instructed to mobilise supporters in large numbers. Special arrangements are being made for transportation, seating, security and stage management.
The Prime Minister has reportedly allocated around 30 minutes for the programme and is expected to address party workers before leaving for the Art of Living event. BJP leaders see the speech as politically significant, especially at a time when the party is looking to regain lost ground in Karnataka after the Assembly election setback.
Party insiders said the event will also be used to send out a message of unity within the Karnataka BJP. Over the past several months, the state unit has witnessed internal differences among senior leaders over organisational issues and leadership matters. With Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visiting the state within two days, the central leadership is expected to focus on strengthening coordination among leaders and energising the grassroots network.
Security arrangements for the visit are expected to be extensive. Bengaluru Police and Special Protection Group (SPG) officials have already begun reviewing security protocols around HAL Airport and the Kanakapura Road stretch. Traffic restrictions and diversions are likely to be imposed in several parts of the city on Sunday morning due to the Prime Minister’s movement and the anticipated crowd.
Meanwhile, ahead of Modi’s arrival, Amit Shah will participate in the “Abhimanotsava” programme in Chitradurga on May 9. The event marks 50 years in electoral politics of former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa and is expected to witness participation from top BJP leaders across the state.
