‘Modi magic’ gathers lakhs at mega rally

Unlike other usual off-days when most people choose to sit and enjoy the day with friends and family watching TV, travelling and visiting relatives after a long week, Sunday witnessed swarms of people gather at the Japanese Park in Rohini. Scores were, meanwhile, glued to their television sets to hear Narendra Modi’s speech. Shyam Lal Sharma, 53, a government employee, was glued to the TV screen on Sunday to listen to Mr Modi as he was unable to reach the venue. Several people like Mr Sharma — about a lakh in Delhi — who were unable to reach the venue to hear “the roar of the lion”, got updates from TV. It was at 12 noon that Mr Modi arrived at the venue and people from across the city waited to hear him speak. Neha Anand, an avid shopper, stood in Karol Bagh market to hear the speech on an LED screen. “The speech was flawless. Modi reminded us of what exactly we want from our government,” she said. People who witnessed Mr Modi speaking live at the venue applauded the speech. Nikhil Kesri, an undergraduate student, said, “Watching Modi live is a dream come true. We have high hopes from the BJP and its commitments.” Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook were flooded with comments on Mr Modi’s speech. Shekhar Khanna posted, “Let Modi be PM for one time.” While some auto-drivers minted money on Sunday, several others provided free auto service for the rally. Giridhar Yadav, an auto driver, said, “I am serving Modi and the BJP campaign. So far, I have carried around 180 passengers and dropped them at several places in Delhi, including Rithala Metro and Rajiv Chowk Metro stations.” Mahender Rathor, a rickshawpuller, said, “I am making money out of this rally as I am carrying people to different destinations near the venue. I think Modi should be the next Prime Minister.” The Congress had looted the people, he added.