PM Modi leads grand procession in Ayodhya amidst saffron sea of supporters

People had lined up on both the sides of Rampath braving the extreme heat to get a glimpse of the PM who took darshan of Ram Lalla consecrated in his abode in the upcoming temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a roadshow for Lok Sabha elections, in Ayodhya. PTI

LUCKNOW: A large crowd gathered to observe the 2-kilometer procession led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the sacred city of Ayodhya on Sunday evening.

People had lined up on both the sides of Rampath braving the extreme sweltering heat since noon to get a glimpse of the PM who took darshan of Ram Lalla consecrated in his abode in the upcoming temple.

The entire temple town was painted or draped in hues of saffron, orange and yellow with cutouts of Modi popping up on the streets and faces of youths who stood patiently for more than two hours waiting for the special rath of the BJP leader.

Dividing Rampath, the key arterial road into two sections, the administration allowed the crowd to gather till the divider this time making more space for the crowd.

During the entire route of road show, people from both sides of the road showered rose petals on PM flanked by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and BJP’s Ayodhya candidate Lallu Singh, atop a decked up four-wheeler.

Also the length of the roadshow was restricted to 2.2 kilometre and it culminated at Lata Mangeshkar chowk.

In another advantage the devotees and pilgrims visiting Ayodhya and Ram temple from neighbouring districts and states were also keen on attending the road show through which the PM attempted to firm up the prospects of BJP candidates in Ayodhya and adjoining seats.

To avoid excessive overcrowding at a single spot and better crowd management, the entire holding area for Modi fans was divided into more than 50 separate blocks.

Each block was barricaded to restrict flow of the pedestrians and stage performers remained at the forefront facing the route where roadshow took place.

Over three dozen women party workers were also deputed to welcome Modi and perform various rituals when he arrived.

A 18-member group of drummers, meanwhile, stole the limelight opposite Birla Dharamshala.

Few metres ahead towards Hanuman Garhi, BJP workers as well as crowd stood waiting at the railings. Repeating slogans like ‘abki baar Modi Sarkar’ almost all individuals occupying the front row wore saffron BJP caps and stole with several holding large cutouts of Modi.