In pics: Star campaigner! Modi’s several visits to coastal dists

Team Udayavani, May 3, 2023, 9:26 AM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his special bond with the coast, where he is greeted by fans in large numbers, often causing “Modi Mania”. Over the past ten years, he has made several visits to the Dakshina Kannada district, mainly for election campaigns but also for government programs.

One of his earliest visits was on May 2, 2013, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and a star campaigner for the assembly elections in Karnataka. He addressed a massive gathering at the Nehru Maidan, which was packed to capacity.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi came to the district as a candidate for Prime Minister on February 19. He addressed a huge gathering at Nehru Maidan, which was again crowded, leaving no space on the outer roads.

In 2016, after becoming Prime Minister, he landed at Mangalore airport and traveled by helicopter to campaign for the Kerala assembly elections, without holding any public meetings.

In 2017, he visited the district twice. On April 29, he arrived at Mangalore airport by a special flight and participated in a village development project at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, where he suggested growing seaweed for economic development on the coast. Later that year, on August 18, he stayed at Circuit House in Mangaluru on his way to Lakshadweep, where thousands of people had gathered to welcome him.

In 2018, Modi came to the district twice for assembly election campaigns. On May 1, he participated in a public meeting at Udupi MGM College ground, which was attended by a large number of BJP workers and supporters. Later that month, on May 5, he addressed a gathering at Nehru Maidan.

In 2019, Modi once again visited Mangaluru for the Lok Shabha campaign on May 13 and addressed the gathering at Neharu Maidan. While returning back Modi lowered his car window and waved at the crowd. Later he also spoke about this incident during one of his television interviews.

Most recently, on September 2, 2022, Modi visited Mangaluru to speak at a convention of beneficiaries of central schemes held at Goldfinch City Grounds. Unlike his previous visits, he did not discuss any politics on this occasion, instead focusing on development projects.

Overall, Modi’s visits to the coast have been mostly for election campaigns, but he has also shown an interest in the region’s development and growth. His speeches have often highlighted the importance of economic development and the potential of the coast for promoting tourism and other industries.