Crowds line Ghatkopar’s streets, cheer ‘beloved leader’, ‘Modi uncle’

Mumbai: The 2.5 km route on LBS Marg earmarked for PM Narendra Modi’s roadshow at Ghatkopar wore a festive look. Huge cut-outs of Modi, posters bearing his pictures, flags not just of the BJP, but of Shiv Sena and NCP too, dotted the stretch. Security was tight and access to LBS Marg from Ghatkopar railway station was regulated with barricades.
People had lined up in large numbers on the road waiting patiently for his cavalcade.Songs in praise of Modi blared on the speakers while musicians played the dhol and tasha.
Several senior citizens were seated on plastic chairs on the pavement. When news arrived that Modi’s cavalcade was on the way, drumbeats built up to a crescendo. It was 7pm when Modi finally arrived on a motor-driven chariot flanked by CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Ghatkopar is a BJP stronghold but party candidate Mihir Kotecha is seen to be on a sticky wicket. Modi waved slowly as the crowd chanted “Modi Modi”.
“We have seen him from close distance for the first time,” said local resident Anil Sahu, who had been standing in the sun with his aged father and son since 3.30pm. “it was worth the wait. I may not wait this much even for a film star or celebrity, but Modiji is an exception - this is for my country, for my beloved leader. Mein unko naman karunga (bow before him), ichcha dil ki yahi thi (that was my desire),” he said.
Some locals returning from work complained of blockades, which made it difficult to access the roads. Some elderly people had to walk over a km from the station area in the absence of autos. Most shops and restaurants along the route were shut. “It is our PM visiting our area and we don’t mind these losses,” said a shop owner who also waited to see the colourful event.
Koli and Bhangra dances were performed while women sat and sang songs welcoming Modi. Children exhibited their Malkhamb skills. Over a dozen bands and several drummers played almost for three hours, while taking short breaks to hydrate themselves.
A Muslim family comprising a couple and their schoolgoing daughter also stood by to watch. “Forget political party, he is our PM. I want my young daughter to see him along with the fanfare surrounding this event,” said the father.
Manoj Vishwakarma, an officegoer, ensured he reached LBS Marg in Ghatkopar by 2.30 pm. “I am a big fan of Modiji and the great work he has done for our country. I don’t mind waiting for 5-6 hours just to catch a glimpse of him,” he said.
Three-year-old Manasvi from Amrut Nagar said she had come to see “Modi uncle” along with her mother. grandmom and others from the building.
(With inputs from Clara Lewis & Somit Sen)