It was a total Modi show in Mysuru

It was an out and out Modi show when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the centenary celebrations of the late Suttur seer Shivaratri Rajendra Swami, here on Saturday evening.

He addressed a 50,000-strong crowd at the Maharaja’s College Grounds. Beginning his speech in Kannada, ‘Mysurina preethiya bandhu bhaginiyare, nimagella nanna namaskaragalu’, he switched over to Hindi. His speech largely revolved around spirituality and religion. He lauded the contributions of the saints and sages for the welfare and progress of society.

He was cheered when his name was mentioned, whenever his visuals were shown on the huge screen behind the dignitaries on the dais and but also even when other dignitaries were addressing the programme.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had to face embarrassment as the audience continously interrupted his speech. They cheered Modi, chanted his name, shouted slogans and even clapped vigorously twice and continously whistled indicating him to stop his speech.

However, Siddaramaiah stood strong and somehow managed to complete his speech.

Besides Siddaramaiah, only Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami addressed the gathering in the event which lasted one hour and 24 minutes from 6.13 PM.

The Suttur seer pointed out that Modi was visiting the mutt programme for the third time.

Recalling his earlier visit as BJP secretary a decade ago and as Gujarat Chief Minister in September 2009, he invited the prime minister to Suttur to inaugurate the Knowledge Resource Centre, for which foundation stone was laid by Modi himself on Saturday. The centre is expected to be completed in 2017. Modi had also visited Mysuru in May 2014, to campaign for MP Prathap Simha during the general election.

Throughout the event, Modi avoided his signature waving to the gathering and kept his head low and remained sober. Only while alighting from the dais, he waved his left hand to the cheering crowd. The only other person, who received the highest cheering and applause whenever his name was taken was former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. But, Yeddyurappa remained calm and was keenly watching the events.