PM Modi courts voters in grand Puducherry roadshow

Puducherry: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a grand roadshow in Puducherry on Friday, seeking support for the NDA and its allies in the April 9 election to the territorial Assembly.

The Prime Minister, flanked by N Rangasamy, founder of the All India N R Congress (AINRC), and BJP leader and Home Minister A Namassivayam, led the roadshow from Ajanta signal point to the Kamarajar statue near Raja Theatre. Covering a distance of less than 2 km, the roadshow took nearly an hour to conclude as large crowds lined the route to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

On his arrival, Modi was accorded a rousing reception by BJP workers and supporters, who raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram.” Standing atop an open campaign vehicle, he greeted the crowd, waving as supporters showered flowers along the route.

The city wore a festive look, with BJP and AINRC flags fluttering prominently, especially along SV Patel Road—the starting point of the procession—and up to the Anna Salai–Kamarajar Salai junction, where the roadshow culminated. Cultural performances and traditional dance programmes added colour to the event, drawing enthusiastic participation from local residents.

A large number of supporters had gathered hours in advance, reflecting the high political stakes in the Union Territory. Party leaders expressed confidence that the Prime Minister’s visit would energise cadres and improve the electoral prospects of the ruling alliance.

Security arrangements were heightened across the city in view of the Prime Minister’s visit, with police deploying personnel at key intersections and along the entire route to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

During his previous visit to Puducherry last month, Modi had inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore, highlighting the Centre’s focus on infrastructure and growth in the region.

For the upcoming Assembly elections, the ruling AINRC and the BJP are contesting 16 and 10 seats, respectively. Other NDA constituents, including the AIADMK and the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi founded by Jose Charles Martin, have been allotted two seats each as part of the alliance arrangement.

With campaigning gaining momentum, the roadshow is being seen as a key effort by the NDA to consolidate support and strengthen its position ahead of the polls.