Failure to reach Prabhat Tara Ground could not dampen the spirit of thousands of residents who watched Narendra Modi’s address live on television. Safely ensconced in their drawing rooms, residents of the city enjoyed Modi’s speech as much as it was enjoyed by euphoric crowd at the venue.
Television ultimately fulfilled the wish of people especially women who otherwise could not have made to the ground due to the household chorus. Watching BJP’s prime ministerial candidate address at the jam-packed venue made them realise that the message is more important than distance.
“At the end of the day it is more about what he (Modi) said not how far one has to travel. Views matters more in the elections than the distance,” said Pratima Singh, a housewife. Sometimes the decision of staying away from the ground zero arises out of sound logic and not by compulsion. The uncertainty about the number of people likely to come at the rally and the gap in the arrangements made, forces people to watch the show from a comfortable distance.
“I enjoyed the environment from my house. Evidently, the rally turned out to be a success. The message was loud and clear-vote for development,” said Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Morhabadi.
Interestingly, the magic of Modi cast its spell on the women especially mid-aged. These women who understand politics as well as their male counterparts termed the rally a success and Modi even a greater success. Nonetheless, none displayed their cards and stated their preferences for Modi vis-à-vis the Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi.
“Both are equally good. (abhi time hai election main, kaun pradhan mantra banega ye kahna mushkil hai) It is difficult to say who will be the Prime Minister. Elections are still far away,” said Sarita Kushwaha.
However, those with allegiance to the party seemed influenced by Modi’s speech and exalted him above prime ministerial candidates of other party especially the Congress. The election results of four states they believe is the harbinger of the inevitability of Modi becoming prime minister.
“The Congress has lost in all states in recent elections despite their start campaigner’s series of election rallies. Certainly, Modi wave has blown Rahul factor away,” maintained Abha Shrivastava.