The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to split Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned eight-hour roadshow in Bengaluru over two days, after concerns were raised by residents over the difficulties such a day-long programme could create. The new schedule will see the PM holding a roadshow on Saturday from 10 am to 1.30 pm, and from 10 am to 2.30 pm the following day.
The announcement comes after the BJP had initially planned a 36.6 km roadshow for the Prime Minister on Saturday, covering a distance of 10.1 km from 11 am to 1 pm, and 26.5 km from 4 pm to 10 pm. However, concerns were raised by residents over the logistical difficulties such a long roadshow would create, especially considering the traffic and security arrangements that would have to be made.
The decision to split the roadshow over two days was made after discussions with the local administration, including the Bengaluru Police and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje confirmed the new schedule and said that the decision was taken in the interest of the people of Bengaluru.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Bengaluru is being seen as a crucial one, as the BJP is hoping to make inroads into the traditionally Congress-dominated state. The Karnataka Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in 2023, and the BJP is looking to build momentum ahead of the polls.
The BJP has been working hard to strengthen its presence in Karnataka, with the party holding a series of rallies and public meetings in the state over the past few months. The Prime Minister’s roadshow was seen as an opportunity to showcase the BJP’s growing popularity in the state and to rally support ahead of the elections.
However, concerns raised by residents over the logistical difficulties of such a long roadshow have forced the BJP to change its plans. The decision to split the roadshow over two days is likely to help ease traffic congestion and reduce security risks, while still allowing the Prime Minister to connect with the people of Bengaluru.
The split roadshow is also likely to help the BJP’s cause, as it will allow the party to stretch out its campaign over two days, giving it more time to engage with voters and build support. This is particularly important given the party’s ambitions in Karnataka, where it is hoping to win a significant number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections.
The decision to split the roadshow has been met with mixed reactions from residents, with some welcoming the move and others expressing disappointment at the change in plans. However, most have acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in hosting such a large-scale event, and the need to balance the interests of the Prime Minister’s security and the convenience of the people of Bengaluru.
