The National Capital, on Sunday, witnessed one of its biggest political rallies of all time. North West Delhi’s Japanese Park, where BJP’s Prime Minister probable Narendra Modi delivered his much-awaited speech, was swamped by people as early as 7 am. The cloudy weather and cool breeze further catalysed the determined adherents to stay put at the event.
Once BJP’s poster boy went on stage, the mood at the venue was electrifying. The crowd was charged by his oratory. Every appeal of Modi’s was followed by a round of applause. Such was the influx of people to the ground that, barring one, police had to shut entry to other gates even before the leader had stepped on stage.
Unlike other rallies in recent times, this was visibly spontaneous with crowds representing all walks of life — from the economically and socially backward to the middle and upper- middle classes. The ground which had 11 entry gates for public was half full initially. However, by 10.30 am, the place was packed cheek-by-jowl, most ferried from various areas by buses. “From every area, 10 to 15 buses were arranged to transport supporters,” party workers said.
The large audience, for whom elaborate arrangements had been made with tents, fans with water sprinklers, chairs and drinking water, was waiting with bated breath for Modi’s dramatic entry. The levels of anticipation were so high that all eyes were skywards and any change in the atmosphere made the public shout approval. Mammoth lCD screens, advanced sound system and video streaming were coordinated by BJP for the rally. Besides, a massive cutout of Narendra Modi near the media enclosure greeted the faithful.
The groundswell roared as the leader finally stepped on stage, waving. While it rained in central and other parts of the city, it was pleasant weather in Rohini except for a drizzle and Modi made it a point to thank the rain gods at the start of his address.
The boisterous crowd chanted his name which even forced the BJP strongman to punctuate his address twice. There was a backdrop of moving visuals that drew attention to BJP’s rallying cry— ‘Badlenge Delhi, Badlenge Bharat’.
A large number of supporters from the Muslim community were also present at the rally. Khalid Qureshi, a resident of Chandni Chowk who came to the rally, said, “Modi has taken moral responsibility for Gujarat riots. We are satisfied and content that he has accepted his indiscretion. He has vision, one of development which inspires our community. He believes in taking all kinds of community together and working for the betterment of the country.”
While the crowds were mesmerised and pleased to hear the tub-thumper, they held placards which read “Modi is India”, “India Needs to be Modified” and “NaMo is India”. Several others were seen wearing Modi masks to show solidarity. Although there was high-definition live video streaming on several lCDs, it did not stop many from clambering up poles to get a better view of the firebrand.
Traffic snarls were reported from various parts of Rohini with a large number of buses and cars converging at Japanese Park during morning hours. Battery-operated rickshaws and cycle rickshaws were in place to ferry passengers from Metro stations. There were tight security arrangements for the rally. The attendees, including mediapersons, were frisked thrice. More than 3,000 Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police were manning the grounds. As crowd dispersed in the afternoon, traffic chaos was again witnessed. A large number CISF and police personnel were present to control the rising tide at Rohini Metro stations.