Bengaluru: The state BJP is in a dilemma over the banners and flex boards of former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, erected adjacent to Palace Grounds where the party's PM candidate Narendra Modi will address a rally on Sunday.
The huge banners and hoardings of YeddyuÂrappa placed on either side of Bellary Road in the city, many showing Modi on the same posters, congratulate the Lingayat strongman for his dharna that attacks the Congress’ Shaadi BhaÂgya scheme.
BJP sources say they know fully well that BSY is keen on an honourable return to the mother party. “Supporters of BSY may say otherwise, but they have deliberately erected banners of their leader on Bellary Road just to grab the attention of Narendra Modi who will address the rally at Palace Grounds”, said BJP sources, adding that without BSY’s consent, these banners could not have come up.
BJP hopes NaMo will do wonders
Leaders of the state unit of BJP are pinning their hopes on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's rally on Sunday to boost the party's prospects ahead of next year's polls to Lok Sabha.
Addressing media persons on Friday, BJP state president Prahlad Joshi said Mr Modi's rally would set a new trend in Karnataka's politics in the near future.
While explaining preparations for the rally, he declined to reveal the size of the audience and expenses incurred for the rally.
"For various reasons, we cannot give the figure but our party has issued 3.5 lakh coupons, of which 26,000 have registered online", the BJP president added.
Over 5000 BJP workers have been involved in preparations for the rally. The leaders are confident that the turnout at the Bengaluru rally would surpass those addressed by Mr Modi in recent days, he added.
Meanwhile, sources in the party said Mr Modi would address the gathering from a 16-feet-high dais with the event scheduled to spread over 60 acres at Palace Grounds. Lunch would be cooked in six rooms and served to everyone from 300 counters at the venue. Party workers and supporters would travel to Palace Grounds in 2500 buses, 2000 mini buses and maxi-cabs.
Besides, ten special trains would also ferry supporters to Bengaluru from various parts of Karnataka.
The sources said seating arrangements are in place for over five lakh people at the venue. Party workers will be arriving here on bike rallies from Kolar, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Former minister S.A. Ramadas is leading BJP workers on a padayatra to Bengaluru to attend the rally.
Over 108 party workers of Udupi will be arriving for the rally by donning Modi masks. More than 2500 software employees will accompany them.
