Bengaluru turns saffron as PM Modi kicks off roadshow in mela-like atmosphere

Folk artists, children and senior citizens were among those who gathered on the road to catch a glimpse of PM Modi during his 26-km roadshow across the city

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday morning, campaigning for the BJP, ahead of the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS) 

The roadshow which is set to cover more than 26 km began from Bengaluru South and will end at Malleswaram. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

People gathered on either side of the road waiting since morning. Modi was seen wearing the traditional Mysuru Peta. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

The PM was accompanied by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

Massive arrangements have been made along the stretch, like erecting barricades, to ensure that the roadshow goes on smoothly, as tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the roadside, official sources said. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

Keeping the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in mind, the BJP on Friday modified Modi's two-day roadshow in Bengaluru, by scheduling the extensive event today and a shorter one on May 7. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

The roadshow, earlier scheduled to be held for eight hours on Saturday alone, was split into two parts on Saturday and Sunday to avoid inconvenience to the public. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

PM Narendra Modi, on Friday, predicted a thumping victory for the BJP in Karnataka, claiming that the crowd turnout at his roadshow and at a public meeting here was proof of the party coming out on top. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

There were students, senior citizens, working people and many more. Children were also seen holding posters and paintings of Modi. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

The entire atmosphere looked like a mela with folk artists seen performing at various points. The roadshow also witnessed many artists dressed like Hanuman. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

The entire distance has been decked up in a saffron hue as BJP flags were seen on either side of the road. Thousands of party workers and supporters were seen wearing saffron shawls and caps. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

On the final stretch of electioneering, both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress are fighting tooth and nail in their bid to win the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly election. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

Bengaluru has 28 assembly constituencies and will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the election. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at a large number of enthusiastic crowd lined up on both sides of the route. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)

The 8-km roadshow on Sunday from Kempegowda statue at New Thippasandra Road to Trinity Circle was covered in about one-and-half hours. (Photo | Shashidhar Byrappa, EPS)