The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Mumbai): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Mumbai on Wednesday, aimed at garnering support for BJP candidate Mihir Kotecha in the Mumbai Northeast Lok Sabha constituency, has been widely criticized by locals. The roadshow disrupted daily life, blocking roads and halting local train services, causing significant inconvenience.
According to a media report, the residents were allegedly incensed that the roadshow passed through Ghatkopar, where a hoarding collapse on Monday killed 16 people. The rescue operation was delayed because the roadshow prevented cranes and heavy equipment from accessing the site. Modi’s failure to express condolences or visit the affected families and injured individuals in nearby hospitals further fueled public anger.
Critics questioned why the roadshow was held in a Gujarati-dominated constituency, suggesting it was a political move to secure votes from the community. The timing, during evening rush hours, exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread frustration among commuters trapped in metro stations until the event concluded.
The backlash from the roadshow has raised concerns within the BJP, with local leaders fearing it may alienate voters and negatively impact their chances in other Mumbai constituencies, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s campaign in Mumbai North.
Sharad Pawar, NCP (Pawar) chief, criticized the decision to hold the roadshow on a weekday in a city like Mumbai. He suggested that such events should be confined to areas like Vasai and accused the BJP of trying to mobilize a particular community. Pawar highlighted the potential risk of stampedes due to the crowded conditions.
Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav and former Railway Minister Piyush Goyal were also criticized for not improving local train services, which remain overcrowded. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the roadshow for blocking roads and described it as inhuman, given the recent tragedy in Ghatkopar. Uddhav Thackeray questioned the necessity of the roadshow.
Political commentator Rajendra Thorat suggested the roadshow was intended to prevent the division of Marathi and Gujarati votes. However, he argued that Modi would have earned more goodwill by visiting the victims of the hoarding collapse instead of holding the roadshow, which he believes projected insensitivity and may have backfired on the BJP.
Locals expressed their frustration, with one resident, Prateek Rane, criticizing Modi for acting like an emperor rather than a servant of the people. Former corporator Rakhi Jadhav stated that the roadshow should have been canceled out of respect for the victims.