Extensive security arrangements in place for PM Modi's visit to Chennai, Puducherry
Chennai, April 2
Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed across Chennai as part of extensive security arrangements for the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in the city on Friday to campaign ahead of the elections.
According to official sources, the Prime Minister is scheduled to land in Chennai at around 3.20 p.m. on Friday by a special aircraft. Soon after his arrival, he will proceed by helicopter to Puducherry, where he is expected to take part in key campaign programmes and public meetings aimed at mobilising voter support.
The Puducherry visit is seen as politically significant, as the BJP is seeking to consolidate its presence in the union territory as well as strengthen its influence in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Party leaders are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi's visit will energise cadres and boost campaign momentum in the final phase of electioneering.
After completing his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will return to Chennai by around 6 p.m. He is scheduled to stay overnight at a prominent five-star hotel in the Guindy area. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Modi will hold a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders, during which key electoral strategies and booth-level coordination plans are expected to be discussed in detail.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister will conclude his Chennai visit and depart for Kerala at approximately 1 p.m., where he will continue his campaign activities in the state.
Meanwhile, Chennai has been placed under a tight security blanket in view of the high-profile visit. Acting on directions from Police Commissioner Arun, security has been intensified across sensitive locations, including the airport, Guindy, and Meenambakkam.
Police personnel have been stationed at intervals of nearly every 10 feet along designated routes to ensure maximum vigilance, crowd control, and swift response in case of any contingencies. In addition, Guindy and Meenambakkam have been declared high-security "red zones", with strict restrictions in place.
The use of drones has been completely banned in these areas as part of precautionary measures. Traffic diversions are expected in several parts of the city, and authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure smooth movement and safety during the Prime Minister's visit.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's good to see the PM campaigning in the south. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are important. Hope his visit addresses local issues and doesn't just remain a symbolic rally. We need concrete plans for development.
3000 police personnel? The cost must be enormous. While security is paramount, I respectfully question if this scale is always proportionate. These resources are from the public exchequer. A balance is needed.
The logistical planning here is impressive. From the helicopter transit to the red zones and drone ban, it's a major operation. Kudos to the police and security agencies for their hard work in coordinating this.
As a Chennai resident, the "red zone" declaration near Guindy is going to disrupt our daily commute. I understand the need for security, but these visits always cause so much inconvenience for common people. Hope it's just for a short while.
The focus on booth-level strategy in the closed-door meeting is the key takeaway. Elections are won on the ground. If the BJP wants to make inroads in TN, this is where the work happens. All the best to the cadres!
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