In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a grand roadshow marked the commencement of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew a large crowd.
Joining him were notable figures such as Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, PWD Minister Rakesh Singh, and the BJP's candidate for the Jabalpur Lok Sabha seat, Ashish Dubey.
The procession began at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing around 6:30 pm and concluded at the Adi Shankaracharya crossing in the Gorakhpur locality at 7:15 pm.
During his inaugural visit to the state following the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, Modi, Yadav, and others proudly displayed the BJP's 'lotus' symbol from their flower-adorned saffron vehicle.
Despite the intense heat, many supporters had gathered along the route from as early as 3 am, capturing the event on their mobile phones.
Many held signs reading 'Mera Ghar Modi Ka Ghar' and 'Mera Pariwar Modi Ka Pariwar', reflecting a BJP campaign that emphasizes Modi's connection to the people of India. This campaign was initiated in response to comments by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Yadav about Modi's lack of a personal family.
Along the route, tribal groups performed various dances, including the 'Badhai Nritya', a traditional dance of the Bundelkhand region typically performed during celebrations.
Chants of 'Jai Shri Ram', 'Ab ki baar 400 paar', and 'Jo Ram ko laaye hai, hum unko layenge' echoed throughout the route.
The roadshow began with Modi paying tribute to Bhagat Singh, Adi Shankaracharya, and Rani Durgavati, a revered Gond queen known for her resistance against the Mughals.
The excitement was palpable, with a wooden platform collapsing under the weight of spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. Six people reportedly sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Jabalpur, part of the Mahakoshal region which also includes Chhindwara, is significant as it was the only Lok Sabha seat the BJP did not secure in the 2019 elections. However, the party dominated in the remaining 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh.
The first phase of polling, scheduled for April 19, will include Jabalpur and Chhindwara, along with Sidhi, Shahdol (ST), Mandla (ST), and Balaghat.
