Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Dharamshala today drew massive crowds from the region and came as a booster shot for the BJP’s poll campaign in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.
Wearing a Himachali cap, the Prime Minister was showered with rose petals as he travelled in an open vehicle. He was greeted with slogans, customary music and folk songs as he waved to the people in his political outreach to the masses.
The town is known for its composite Pahari culture –Gaddis, Gukhas,Tibetans and Kangris , people lined up on both sides of the route, some of them attired in their traditional outfits
This being PM Modi's second visit to Himachal Pradesh within a fortnight holds significance for the BJP, which has already given a slogan – Satta nahin, rivaaj Badelenge ( We will change the customs of power) .
Modi on his arrival was received by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, State Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, state BJP president Suresh Kashyap and Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar.
In a significant break with leaders in the past the Prime Minister has decided to stay the night in Dharamshala, a town that is known for being the abode of Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama .
Modi is scheduled to address the National Conference of the Chief Secretaries of states and union territories. This is the first time the conference is being held in the state. Dharamshala has both air connectivity and infrastructure to hold such mega events.
The conference, which is scheduled for three days, will mainly focus on rapid and sustained economic growth in partnership with the States. Coming forward as Team India, the Conference will set the table for collaborative action for more significant change with sustainability, creation of jobs, education, ease of living and atmanirbharta in agriculture, or self-reliance in the field of agriculture.
When contacted, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said it's a matter of pride for the Himachal Pradesh government to host Prime Minister, second time, within 15 -16 days and also become host to Chief Secretaries conference, also PM Modi’s brainchild .
“ Initially, the Prime Minister wanted to visit Chamba to launch a hydel project, beside holding a public meeting but later he decided to focus only on the official agenda of the government .We are sure his engagement with the Chief secretaries and high officials will be rewarding for the country,” he said.
Thakur said the Prime Minister is expected to make two more visits to HImachal Pradesh, one of which could be next month to inaugurate AIIMS, Bilaspur –a project for which he had laid the foundation stone in 2017.
" The Prime Minister has a special love for Himachal Pradesh, a state where he worked as party general secretary and was instrumental in the formation of the BJP-led government in 1998, " Chief Minister maintains.
Earlier on May 31, Prime Minister had visited Shimla to participate in ‘Garib Kalyan Sammelan’ to mark the eighth anniversary of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
The Prime Minister had then released the 11th installment of the Kisan Samman Nidhi ,held a road show and also addressed an impressive public rally .
Also read: Congress and AAP yet to find their feet as Modi’s star shines in Himachal ahead of polls
