Roads blocked, trees axed: Modi's Bengaluru roadshow faces public resentment
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi is currently holding a 26-kilometer-long roadshow in Karnataka's Bengaluru ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections, which will take place on Wednesday. The high-voltage poll campaign by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader will continue on Sunday as well, in an attempt by the party to retain power in the state. However, the massive roadshow has drawn public ire. We explain why.
Twitter Post
Here's what BJP posted
Jayanagar's immense faith in their beloved PM translates into fountains of joy & rains of flowers!#NammaBengaluralliNammaModi pic.twitter.com/rbjNOVRx8q
— BJP (@BJP4India) May 6, 2023
Social media
Citizens' daily activities hindered due to roadshow
On Saturday, Twitter users in India woke up to "#NammaBengaluralliNammaModi," a hashtag that is being used by the BJP and was trending at number one. Tweets linked to this hashtag indicated that the citizens of Bengaluru were happy to welcome Modi into the city. Although, for many, the reality was different as they complained about their day-to-day activities hindering due to the roadshow.
Criticism
Roads blocked, buses delayed in Bengaluru: Twitter users
Several Bengaluru residents took to Twitter to complain about the streets, shops, and public transport being blocked. "Entire roads blocked, buses delayed all because of Modi's roadshow," a Twitter user wrote. Meanwhile, some even alleged that trees were cut down in many parts of the city to make way for the prime minister's campaign vehicle and surrounding crowd.
Twitter Post
Shops closed, apartments blockaded, transport affected, says Twitter user
Mudi is visiting our streets, so they've blockaded all our apartments... all the shops are closed... no autoes.... no busses.... no vehicles on the road... this is the country I come from... just think of the financial losses... #KarnatakaAssemblyElection pic.twitter.com/OUnUUW6izY
— Kartik (@KartikSeshan) May 6, 2023
Traffic advisory
Bengaluru Traffic Police asks citizens to avoid 35 key roads
On Friday, the Bengaluru Traffic Police asked citizens to avoid 35 key roads and junctions entirely between 8:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday. Moreover, the Puttenahalli Police in Bengaluru South were directed not to allow people to watch the rally from their terraces and balconies, reported The Indian Express. The police were also reportedly instructed to shut down the entry and exit points of buildings.
Twitter Post
On Traffic Police's advisory ahead of roadshow
The Bengaluru Traffic Police can just say, "Public are requested to stop living".#StopTheseRoadShows pic.twitter.com/BWdUwdvCwd
— Shailesh Shrivastava (@ShriShailesh) May 5, 2023
More criticism
Activists accuse authorities of being 'reckless' with clearing tree branches
Meanwhile, The Hindu reported the local authorities were tasked with clearing tree branches ahead of Modi's roadshow, which riled activists. They accused authorities of being "reckless" with their approach and go overboard by chopping the trees instead. However, Rudran, Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF), Mandya, told the publication the trimming was also taking place along stretches that had nothing to do with the roadshow.
Twitter Post
Tweet showing trees cut down in Bengaluru
From Indiranagar to Basavanagudi to Basaveshwar Nagar, ppl of Bengaluru are reporting a carnage of trees to accommodate the PM's rally. Request Hon'ble CM @BSBommai to share with PM @narendramodi how much people of Bengaluru love our trees .. 😢😢 #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/z4wRyS0dPS
— Kimsuka (@Kimsuka) May 6, 2023
NEET exam
Roadshow split in 2 days due to NEET exam
Modi's election campaign also drew criticism because of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is scheduled for Sunday. Concerned authorities asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to postpone the exam or redirect the Sunday rally to ensure students don't miss out on the exam. Following the complaint, Modi's roadshow was cut short and split into two days— the first being Saturday.