Modi gets rousing welcome in Mangaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at Mangaluru International Airport at midnight, was accorded a grand welcome.

Modi, in his tweet, later said, "I thank the people of Mangaluru for the warm welcome last evening."

A large number of BJP workers, who had gathered at the airport, were in the total frenzy awaiting the arrival of the prime minister. He was welcomed   by a large number of party workers from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi along with Nasik bands, drums, Chende and Kalladka dolls to celebrate the victories of the BJP in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

The jubilant supporters waved party flags and chanted slogans in favour of Modi.

Though Modi was supposed to arrive by a special flight at 10.30 pm, it was past midnight when he finally landed in the coastal city. The delay did not dampen the spirit of the crowd. In fact, the party workers were seen atop of the police bus, building, poles in the airport to get a better view of Modi. The venue was jampacked.

Modi was welcomed by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and others amid loud cheers from the crowd. Much to the delight of the supporters,   Modi came near them and waved acknowledging them, before leaving the airport.

Union Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, Karnataka DG-IGP Neelamani Raju, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, Zilla Panchayat president Meenakshi Shantigodu and others received Modi at the airport.

Modi reached Circuit House at 12.30 am. After staying at Circuit house, he left for Lakshadweep on Tuesday morning.

He savoured Idli-Sambar, Uppittu-avalakki and Gujarati Masala Khakhra for breakfast.

For breakfast, arrangements were made to serve Idli-sambar, Uppittu-avalakki, Khakhra, bread, butter and jam, fruits, and tea as per the menu given by the Prime Minister's Office.

The breakfast preparation was monitored by the prime minister's security officer, food safety office, and a senior officer, representing the districtt administration.

The SKDRDP had prepared a souvenir on the prime minister's visit to Ujire to take part SKDRDP in a convention on October 29. The souvenir was handed over to Modi at the airport on Tuesday.