Modi's Roadshow, One Chariot, Two Moods: On the right, the President's solemn "silent fast," and on the left, the Chief Minister's joy knows no bounds

The two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Gangtok began this afternoon with a grand roadshow. Arriving slightly later than scheduled, the Prime Minister landed at the Libing Helipad in Deorali by an Army helicopter. From Ganju Lama Gate to Lok Bhawan along National Highway 10, he held a roadshow where lakhs of Sikkimese people gathered and extended him a warm and grand स्वागत. Wearing a traditional Bhutia cap and Lepcha attire, the Prime Minister waved to the crowds, acknowledging their greetings and affection. During the roadshow, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and State BJP President D.R. Thapa accompanied him in the vehicle. Standing to his left, Chief Minister Tamang smiled gently and encouraged the people gathered on both sides of the road to dance, sing, and cheer for the Prime Minister, while D.R. Thapa stood on his right with folded hands in a composed manner. From early morning, people from various parts of the state had started arriving in the capital Gangtok to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and welcome him. A large number of participants were women from self-help groups. Many were dressed in their traditional ethnic attire, and at several points, representatives of different communities gathered with their traditional musical instruments to स्वागत him. As the Prime Minister’s arrival was slightly delayed, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang himself came onto the सड़क and appealed to the public to remain patient. Despite the long wait, the enthusiasm and excitement among the people did not diminish. As the Prime Minister’s convoy passed by, the energy of the crowd was remarkable. He also stepped down from his vehicle at Deorali to personally acknowledge representatives of the Lepcha community. At around 4 PM, when the Prime Minister landed at Libing Helipad, he was received by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, State Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa, Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Gangtok to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Statehood anniversary (Golden Jubilee). He will participate in a grand program tomorrow at Paljor Stadium. On this occasion, projects worth around ₹4,000 crore are expected to be inaugurated and have their foundation stones laid by him. Before heading to the stadium, the Prime Minister will also visit Ridge Park to inspect the Golden Jubilee Friendship Manjari and the Orchidarium. The Prime Minister will stay overnight at Lok Bhawan. Earlier in the evening, he is scheduled to meet representatives of the Sikkim BJP at Hotel Mayfair in Ranipool. It is also learned from reliable sources that he will hold a separate meeting with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. This marks Narendra Modi’s third official visit to Sikkim as Prime Minister. Previously, he visited in 2016 to declare Sikkim a fully organic state, and in 2018 to inaugurate Pakyong Greenfield Airport. At that time, the state was governed by the Sikkim Democratic Front. Prior to that, he had also visited Gangtok once in a personal capacity when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s visit has sparked widespread political discussions in the state. There is growing public curiosity about what announcements or “gifts” he might bring for the people of Sikkim, and what demands Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang may present before him. Although last year, during the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Chief Minister had stated that the Prime Minister’s presence alone would be enough, many are hopeful that key long-pending demands of the state will be addressed this time. Some political observers also speculate that a special economic package could be announced. On the other hand, some political analysts believe that today’s grand roadshow may also have been strategically aimed at the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. According to them, the roadshow could have a direct or indirect impact on the in the neighboring state. Notably, the second phase of polling in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29. Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi had conducted an election roadshow in Barrackpore, West Bengal, before arriving in Gangtok.