Re-takes done,Godhra ready for Modi show today

Another woman,Lakshmiben,says her name and hides her face under a veil. They are all packed into a stall with two iron beds and mattresses arranged on the floor. The lady in charge of them quickly intervenes to explain that the kendra in Nasirpur village looks after pregnant women,nursing them and those with malnourished children. She adds they have been brought here for the Sadbhavana Mission fast. The huge pavillion put up right outside the venue where Chief Minister Narendra Modi will fast has on display achievements by his government.

Government officials were busy all day trying to convince the minority community leaders to come to the venue. Mohmmadhusain Kalota,who was acquitted in the 2002 train carnage case,told the Indian Express,“I got messages even from the BJP to come to the Sadbhavana venue tomorrow but I may attend the Congress’s Satkarm fast.”

Officials were seen busy supervising the arrangements as artists gave finishing touches to models put up at the venue. Full-grown maize plants were uprooted and replanted at the venue.

Rajendra Dindorkar,a rangoli artist known for his works in Vadodara’s famous Kirtimandir,was seen giving finishing touches to Modi’s rangoli.

On the stage,where Modi will sit tomorrow on a fast,a teacher directs schoolchildren in uniforms. They go up on the stage,walk around pretending to play a flute,castanets,as others strike a Buddha-like pose.

“We have been rehearsing for nearly three weeks,” says a class IX student,Darshita.

Over 100 students from Kalrav school in Kaalol will participate in a skit showcasing the government’s programmes. They were briefed by government officials to the last detail.

The school’s administrator,Hardik Joshipura,said,“We have been asked by a top government official to prepare for the event. Our students are participating in the play and all-religion prayer at the beginning of the fast.”

Once accused in massacre case,ex-MLA oversees the show

Kalu Maliwad,a former BJP MLA,was busy supervising arrangements at the fast venue. Maliwad was accused in the 2002 Limbadiya chowk massacre case and was later acquitted. He got a ticket and became an MLA in 2002,but lost in 2007. “I have come here for an entry pass,” he says,uncomfortable with the questions on the Sadbhavana fast.

But as he watches schoolchildren perform and gives instructions to government officials,it is clear he is the man calling the shots here.