Amid ‘400 paar’ slogans and Ram Mandir songs, PM Modi holds roadshow in Ghaziabad

Interestingly, this is the first time after being denied a ticket that Singh took part in campaigning. Sources said Singh’s presence was important as the party is facing some ire from the Thakur voters after the BJP did not repeat Singh for the third time. Garg, who is currently the Ghaziabad Sadar MLA, will be facing Congress’s Dolly Sharma and BSP’s Nand Kishore Pundir.

As the rally kicked off at 5.30 pm, thousands of people — from children to the elderly, party leaders and workers — greeted the PM with slogans of ‘Jai Jai Shri Ram’, ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’, and ‘Mai Modi Ka Pariwar’. Modi responded with the ‘victory’ sign and waved the party’s Lotus symbol.

DJs played songs like ‘Jo Ram ko laaye hain, hum unko laayenge’ and ‘Bharat ka bachha-bachha Jai Shri Ram bolega’ on loop since 2.30 pm. BJP leaders welcomed Modi with ‘Mantras’ and ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ and a replica of the Ram Mandir was also put up by BJP supporters.

Before the event began, shops in the area were closed and meat shops were covered with saffron sheets. Heavy security, including CRPF and SPG officials, were deployed in the area.

Expressing thankfulness after the roadshow, Modi said on X (formerly Twitter) that this shows the unwavering faith people have in our governance track record. “Ghaziabad has always supported the BJP. Our party has also always returned the affection with record development. Over the last 10 years, development works, especially those relating to urban infrastructure, connectivity and housing have enhanced ‘Ease of Living’ here,” he wrote.

He further said, “In the coming years, we want to do even more for Ghaziabad. Our focus will be on how to further improve quality of life, enhance facilities for healthcare, education, transportation and more. We want youngsters from Ghaziabad to shine in diverse areas and enrich India’s growth trajectory.”

‘Opposition stands no chance here’

As the cavalcade arrived, onlookers showered flower petals and jostled with each other to get a photo of the Prime Minister.

Among them was 52-year-old Rekha Devi, a housewife from Hindon, who waited three hours to get a glimpse of the PM. “I came here with my family just to see the Prime Minister. I only get to see him on TV. He has done good work,” said the woman.

Asked if she benefitted from any central government scheme, she said, “Not much par ration toh milta hai. BJP did a good thing by changing its candidate, new people should get a chance.”

Standing beside her, Suraj Narayan Prasad (60), an electrician, said Ghaziabad is a safe seat for the BJP as they have always won it. “I don’t believe the Opposition stands a chance here,” said Prasad.

Manish Kumar Pal (36), who works in a lift company, said he took a day off to see the roadshow.

“I don’t benefit from any scheme. I have to work every day — irrespective of the government — that is how I can improve my life. However, I believe the BJP is doing good work and they will win,” said Pal, who came from Ghukna.

Lakhan (62), a daily-wage worker, came to the event hoping someone would help him get ration as he has been declared ineligible to avail of it. Holding a big BJP flag, he said, “I came here in the hope that I would be able to share my problem. I have brought my Aadhaar card also, I can share my details… But none of the leaders listen to me. I have 11 mouths to feed in my family,” said the Kavi Nagar resident.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate Sharma said she welcomes the Prime Minister to Ghaziabad, but said he should not have campaigned for a person with a “tainted” record. “Garg was health minister in the Uttar Pradesh government when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. While people were crying for help on the streets, he did not do anything for Ghaziabad and the state. Why has the BJP given him a ticket? alleged Sharma.

Ghaziabad will go to polls during the second phase on April 26.