Security tightened in Coimbatore for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow today

The Textile city police initially denied permission for the Prime Minister's road show citing the ongoing exams, traffic snarls, and sensitive areas and causing inconvenience to the public.

However, on a plea filed by a BJP functionary, the Madras High Court directed the Coimbatore police to provide necessary arrangements for the event and ensure that it passed off without any hitch.

The city was brought under a thick security blanket and as a trial run for Modi’s visit, the security vehicle convoy conducted a rehearsal on the road show route from Saibaba Temple junction to R.S. Puram.

Heavy security arrangements have been put in place in the city in view of the Prime Minister’s roadshow.

Police said that 5,000 police personnel from different districts will be in charge of the security in the city. Members of the Special Protection Group will accompany the Prime Minister throughout his journey, roadshow, and stay in the city.

Modi is scheduled to arrive at Coimbatore airport at 5.35 p.m. and reach the starting point of the roadshow on the Mettupalayam Road by 5.45 p.m. The event is expected to end by 6.50 p.m. at RS Puram.

Modi is expected to cover the about three km distance from Saibaba Colony to R.S.Puram by an hour and the BJP has made elaborate arrangements for the road show in which tens and thousands of party cadres will participate.

After the roadshow, Modi will stay overnight at the Circuit House and leave for Palakkad in Kerala from Coimbatore airport on Tuesday morning.

BJP sources said Modi's road show was aimed at strengthening the party's base further in the Kongu region which has a good vote base for the BJP.

The party wants to further consolidate it after its Women's Wing leader Vanathi Srinivasan was elected to from Coimbatore South in the 2021 Assembly polls. She was one of the four MLAs elected to the Assembly, the highest representation so far in the House.

Modi is also scheduled to address an election rally at Salem on Tuesday.

In view of Mr Modi’s visit to Salem district on March 19 to participate in a public meeting organised by the BJP at Gajjalnaickenpatti, flying of drones is banned for two days from tomorrow, according to a press release from District Superintendent of Police A.K. Arun Kabilan.

Tight security arrangements were being made in view of Modi's visit, police said.

(With UNI inputs)