Campaigning ends with CM's roadshow
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's three roadshows on Kolkata's streets on the last day of campaign for the final phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, just hours before the Election Commission's campaign ban kicks in at 10 pm, witnessed tremendous response from her party workers and the common people alike.
Hundreds lined up on both the sides of the streets as the first roadshow hit Diamond Harbour (DH) Road on a hot Thursday afternoon after it kick-started from Thakurpukur 3A bus stand. People tried to get a closer look at the charismatic leader giving her security personnel and police a tough time. Roadshows were conducted in favour of Mala Roy and Mimi Chakraborty contesting with Trinamool Congress' tickets from South Kolkata and Jadavpur respectively.
The rally grew bigger in size as it marched down DH Road with the joining of thousands of Trinamool Congress supporters. People started congregating as the news of Banerjee taking part in roadshows reached the local residents of Thakurpukur, Behala, Taratala areas and to those living on either side of DH Road.
Braving the heat, the roadshow witnessed a sea of people while passing through Behala. Many were found queuing up on both sides of the road while some of whom tried to capture the moment on their mobile cameras. People waved at Banerjee when she passed Behala Chowrasta area and shouted slogans in her support. Banerjee did not disappoint them and reciprocated by waving back at them. People gathered with TMC's festoons and flags across the entire stretch. The first roadshow concluded at Taratala.
The second rally began at Sukanta Setu in the evening and ended at Gariahat. It went past all the important locations of South Kolkata. In some areas, women were found blowing conch shells to hail Banerjee who has emerged as the key challenger to Modi and the saffron party and will play a major role in forming the next government at the Centre.
As the roadshows touched down the streets, TMC activists and leaders shouted political slogans to oust the Narendra Modi government from the Centre. The slogans resonated in the air as the roadshows crossed various lanes and bylanes of the city. People who came for shopping in Gariahat witnessed the mammoth rally.
The third roadshow kicked off at Ballygunj Phari and ended at Harish Chatterjee Street, near her residence, later in the evening.
Support for Mamata remains unwavering with the masses chanting anti-BJP slogans as she made her was along the areas for her rallies.
Concerns over national issues remain foremost on the voters' minds, who gathered in hundreds for the final chapter of the campaign before the state goes to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19.
