Shillong : Ahead of the Meghalaya Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Shillong on Friday. The roadshow started at Central Library and concluded at the Police Bazar where he addressed a public rally. The roadshow received a massive response as people queued up on both sides of the road through which the Prime Minister's cavalcade passed.
The Prime Minister was also seen greeting people and waving at them. PM Modi also paid floral tributes to three freedom fighters of the state - U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma in Shillong. Security was beefed up in Shillong in view of PM Modi's visit. More than 1,000 security personnel including Meghalaya Police and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed in the route of the roadshow and Police Bazar point in Shillong.
"Special security arrangements have been made in Shillong for the Prime Minister. More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed in the city," Assistant Superintendent of Police, Shillong Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao told a news agency. Later on Friday, PM Modi will address an election campaign rally at Alotgre Stadium in Tura in Garo Hills. Pertinent to mention, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier sought permission for the Prime Minister's rally at PA Sangma Stadium in Tura. BJP alleged that permission to hold the rally at PA Sangma Stadium was denied by the National People's Party (NPP) government, citing the stadium was still under construction.
Later, the party got permission for Alotgre Stadium in Tura as an alternative arrangement for the PM's rally. This time BJP is contesting in all 60 seats. The Meghalaya assembly polls will be held on February 27 and the counting of votes will take place on March 2.