SHILLONG: The Stage is set for the city to host the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi who is slated to address a BJP rally in the city in order to set the tone for party’s preparations for the forthcoming Assembly polls.
This will be the second visit of Narendra Modi to the state after becoming the Prime Minister last year. He had earlier visited Shillong as the PM for two days to address the 65thplenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Speaking to media persons at the rally venue, BJP leader, J A Lyngdoh said that the programme would start from 12 noon and comprise of cultural programmes and speeches by party leaders.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach Polo ground between 1 and 1.30 PM and accordingly address the rally. Some Union Ministers are also expected to accompany the PM.
From Polo, the Prime Minister is also expected to dedicate the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road to the nation besides inaugurating the state BJP office.
The Prime Minister after addressing the rally is likely to leave the venue at around 2 P.M. and 2.30 PM. Lyngdoh informed that they were expecting a crowd of about 15000-20000.
While the BJP has remained tight-lipped about local political leaders from the state who are supposed to share the dais with the Prime Minister, it is speculated that A L Hek, Sanbor Shullai and Robinus Syngkon would be with the Prime Minister.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the PM’s visit while Shillong Traffic Police on Friday afternoon conducted a drill for traffic management in view of the PM’s visit and different areas of the town witnessed huge traffic jams because of the drill.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, has informed the general public attending the public rally of the Prime Minister of India, that items like sharp objects, umbrellas, cigarettes, lighters/match boxes, water bottles, lethal weapons, etc., are prohibited inside the venue of the rally.