PM Modi begins Bihar visit with 5-km roadshow, inauguration of new Patna airport terminal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Patna airport on Thursday, inaugurated a new terminal, and flagged off the construction of a new airport in Bihta, about 25 km from Bihar's capital, before taking out a roadshow to the state BJP headquarters.
During the PM's third visit to the state in the last four months, he is scheduled to address a public gathering at Vikramganj in Rohtas district on Friday. He will inaugurate or flag off 16 development projects, worth about Rs 50,000 crore, during his two-day visit that comes ahead of state Assembly elections set to be held later this year.
Modi was received at Patna airport on Thursday by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the two Deputy CMs, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
During the five-kilometre roadshow that began from the airport, people lined up on either side of the road along the entire route and sprinkled flower petals on the PM's car.
Moreover, 35 volunteer organisations and citizens' groups had set up 32 stages along Modi's roadshow route. At some points, women in saffron and yellow sarees, and wearing red turbans, lined up to extend their greetings to the PM. Students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Patna, welcomed the PM by blowing conches.
The roadshow concluded at the BJP headquarters on Birchand Patel Path. There, the PM is believed to have discussed preparations for the Assembly elections with senior party leaders. A senior BJP leader said: 'The sheer presence of the PM at BJP headquarters has boosted the morale of the party's rank and file.'
Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
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